Leny Mercedes Yuyarima Mashingashi

Mrs. Leny Mercedes Yuyarima Mashingashi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 June 2026 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FTFernando Tello
Fernando Tello
LMLeny Mercedes Yuyarima Mashingashi
Leny Mercedes Yuyarima Mashingashi
FAFernando Castro Armas
Fernando Castro Armas
JVJessy Vásquez
Jessy Vásquez
EULALIA VARGAS TAPIAEULALIA VARGAS TAPIA
EULALIA VARGAS TAPIA
JMJuan Dario Rios Mera
Juan Dario Rios Mera
Açai (Euterpe precatoria Mart.) is a fruit with tremendous bioactive potential, but its high perishability necessitates the use of technologies to improve its stability and further enhance its bioactivity, such as microencapsulation by spray drying. Maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA) are commonly used encapsulants in spray drying, but their combination for the microencapsulation of açai extract has not been studied. This study aimed to optimize the microencapsulation of açai extract using spray drying, evaluating its effect on the physicochemical and functional properties of the microparticles (MPs). Optimization was performed using response surface methodology with a central composite rotatable design, considering inlet air temperature (IAT) and polymer ratio (GA:MD) as factors. The optimal conditions were 135 °C IAT and a 50:50 GA:MD, under which a process yield of 76.05%, total phenolic compounds of 2791.83 mg GAE/100 g, and hygroscopicity (HYG) of 7.28% were obtained. Solubility (WSI) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) were not optimized due to lack of fit (p < 0.05). The experimental validation showed precise agreement between predicted and experimental values, with relative errors of less than 5%. The MPs presented spherical forms with rough surfaces. The effectiveness of the microencapsulation process demonstrates the potential of açai MPs as possible functional ingredients for future food applications.