Given the absence of an emulsifier in these encapsulation protocols, a high ratio of wall material to core material
was used in addition to the utilization of homogenization and continuous stirring prior to spray drying to ensure adequate
encapsulation . Briefly, 60 mL of a 0.4 g/mL maltodextrin 15 DE aqueous solution was prepared to which 30 mg b-carotene was added. The mixture was homogenized using a PT-1200 Polytron hand-held homogenizer for 5 min at 25,000 rpm prior to spray drying and was continuously stirred during spray drying using a stir-bar. The feed solution was spray dried using a Büchi Mini Spray Dryer B-290 with an air inlet temperature of 170 5 C, an outlet temperature of 95 5 C, pump speed of 25%, feed rate of 7.5 mL/min, and aspirator rate of 100%. After spray drying, the powder was stored in a refrigerator at 4 C.