Encapsulation of bixin in sodium caseinate to deliver the colorant in transparent dispersions

Bixin, the major colorant component of annatto, is water insoluble and sensitive to degradation by temperature, pH, and light stresses. In this work, we studied an encapsulation process by spray drying warm 40% v/v aqueous ethanol solution with dissociated sodium caseinate (NaCas) and dissolved bixin. Upon hydration of spray-dried powder, transparent dispersions were observed at a wide pH range away from the isoelectric point (pI) of NaCas. The...