Effect of Maltodextrin and Gum Arabic on Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties of Encapsulated Freeze-Dried Geopropolis From the Stingless Bee Tetragonula laeviceps Species Complex

Geopropolis is a resinous material produced by stingless bees, its adhesive characteristic challenging to process into powder. This study examined the physicochemical and bioactive properties of the encapsulated freeze-dry geopropolis produced by stingless bees. Combination of coating materials with various concentrations of 20%, 30% and 40% and carrier ratios of maltodextrin: gum arabic at 9:1, 5:5 and 3:7 were applied to encapsulate geopropolis freeze-drying with control of 31.25% concentration of maltodextrin. All carrier matrixes showed high yields of >80% and similar powder characteristics of low moisture content, low water activity, high glass transition temperature and water dispersibility. Overall, antioxidant activities ranged from ~69 - ~80%, while encapsulation efficiency of total phenolic content ranged from ~46 - ~68%. All carrier matrixes show higher antioxidant activities than 31.25% maltodextrin, with the lowest antioxidant of 57%. The carrier ratio of 5:5 obtained physicochemical and bioactive properties retained in powders of ~68%.