Advancements in microencapsulation techniques for bioactive compounds in Citrus x paradisi L. peels: A comparative analysis of freeze-drying and spray-drying methods

Abstract

Introduction Phenolic compounds like naringin and naringenin are abundant bioactive components in Citrus x paradisi L (grapefruit). These compounds have attracted the scientific community's attention due to their unique health-promoting properties and diverse biological activities. Efficiently exploiting bioactive compounds from grapefruit peels is essential in the pharmaceutical industry. However, limited solubility, bioavailability, and stability pose challenges for phenolics such as naringin and naringenin (1-3). Aim This study aims to improve these bioactive compounds' stability, solubility, and controlled release using microencapsulation, comparing the efficacy of spray-drying and freeze-drying techniques and identifying optimal excipients.