Optimization of Wall Material Concentration in Preparation of Flaxseed Oil Powder Using Response Surface Methodology

The aim of this work was to optimize oil and wall material concentrations in microencapsulation of spray drying. Gum Arabic, maltodextrin and skim milk powder were used as wall material. Response surface methodology with three-level, two-factor central composite design was employed. The independent variables selected for set of experiments were oil concentration (X1: 10, 15, 20); solids content (X2: 20, 22.5, 25) while bulk density, encapsulation efficiency, peroxide value and moisture content were analyzed as responses. The results revealed that microencapsulated powder containing 8% oil and 22.5% wall material was optimum among investigated samples in terms of its encapsulation efficiency, peroxide value and moisture content. Practical Applications This research has practical applications for developing flaxseed oil power as a novel ingredient for food fortification. Ameliorations in wall material and oil content during spray drying of flaxseed oil into powder is helpful in establishing the relationship for optimization of flaxseed oil powder preparation. Data obtained during present investigation suggests use of wall materials in combination at high concentrations for superior microencapsulation of flaxseed oil to explore its utility in formulating functional foods with higher omega fatty acid content.