Selection and Optimization of an Innovative Polysaccharide-Based Carrier to Improve Anthocyanins Stability in Purple Corn Cob Extracts.

The extraction process of alcohol-insoluble polysaccharides from exhausted Moradyn cob ( Zea mays L. cv. Moradyn) (EMCP), camelina cake ( Camelina sativa L. Crantz) (CCP), and common bean seeds ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (CBP) was investigated and optimized by Response Surface Methodology. Each fraction was tested at different core/carrier ratios in the encapsulation of Moradyn cob extract (MCE), a rich source of antioxidant anthocyanins, and the obtained ingredients were screened for their encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and extraction process sustainability. The ingredients containing 50% and 75% CCP had EE% higher than 60% and 80%, respectively, and were selected for further studies. Preliminary structural analysis indicated CCP was mostly composed of neutral polysaccharides and proteins in a random-coiled conformation, which was also unchanged in the ingredients. CCP-stabilizing properties were tested, applying an innovative stress testing protocol. CCP strongly improved MCE anthocyanins solid-state stability (25 °C, 30% RH), and therefore it could be an innovative anthocyanins carrier system.