In this work, two different technologies (electrospraying and nanospray drying) were evaluated for the
encapsulation of folic acid using both a whey protein concentrate (WPC) matrix and a commercial resistant
starch. The morphology of the capsules, molecular organization of the matrices upon encapsulation,
encapsulation efficiency, and stability of the folic acid within the capsules under different storage conditions
and upon thermal exposure were studied. Results showed that spherical nano-, submicro- and
microcapsules were obtained through both techniques, although electrospraying led to smaller capsule
sizes and to an enhanced control over their size distribution. Greater encapsulation efficiency was
observed using WPC as encapsulating matrix, probably related to interactions between the protein and
folic acid which favoured the incorporation of the bioactive. The best results in terms of bioactive stabilization
in the different conditions assayed were also obtained for the WPC capsules, although both materials
and encapsulation techniques led to improved folic acid stability, especially under dry conditions.