Microencapsulation of green tea (Camellia sinensis) phenolic extract: Physical-chemical characterization, antimicrobial and toxicological properties

Abstract

This work aimed to characterize the physical-chemical properties, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of microcapsules elaborated on the combination of green tea (Camelia sinensis) extract with cashew gum and maltodextrin. It was observed that the encapsulation process influenced positively the physical-chemical characteristics of green tea extract (GTE) once green tea microcapsules (GTM) presented values equal to 1.42, 3.66 and 0.36 for humidity, hygroscopicity, respectively, which can be correlated to an increase in GTE stability. GTM exhibited values of 14,950.4 mg GAE/100 g and 1188.4 μMTrolox.g−1 for phenolics and antioxidant activity, respectively, as well as presented an antimicrobial effect against the gram-positive bacteria. No toxicity effect was observed against zebrafish (Danio rerio) but sample administration resulted in a reduction in the locomotor activity of the animals. This study provided valuable information regarding the encapsulation process as an effective tool for increasing the application of green tea extract, considering its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, reinforcing its safety for consumers.

Keywords

• Camellia sinensis
• Microencapsulation
• Antimicrobial
• Toxicity