Enhanced stability of n-3 PUFAs rich structured lipids via spray-dried microencapsulation with tailored wall materials

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the microencapsulation of n-3 PUFAs-rich medium- and long-chain structured lipids (MLSLs) using gum arabic (GA), maltodextrin (MD), and modified starch (MS) in various ratios. Microcapsules were produced via spray drying and assessed for microencapsulation yield, microencapsulation efficiency, physicochemical characteristics, and oxidative stability. The GA:MS:MD formulation achieved the highest microencapsulation yield (87.77 ± 0.47% w/w) and microencapsulation efficiency (90.11 ± 0.56% w/w), with optimal moisture content (1.98 ± 0.21% w/w), water activity (0.17 ± 0.04), and superior wettability (9.27 ± 0.72 min). It also exhibited enhanced solubility (87.54 ± 0.63% w/w) and a low polydispersity index (PDI) (0.28 ± 0.03). FT-IR confirmed successful encapsulation, SEM revealed intact spherical microcapsules, and peroxide values under accelerated storage (55 °C, 28 days) remained low (0.71–2.39 meq O₂ per kg). These findings highlight GA:MS:MD microcapsules as promising candidates for functional food and pharmaceutical applications.