Matrix changes driven by cultivar diversity, inulin addition and drying techniques - shaping the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of blueberry powders

Quality of fruit powders is ambiguously shaped by processing parameters depending on matrix composition. Thus, the objective was to evaluate influence of drying techniques and inulin application on physico-chemical, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of sugar-free juice extract powders prepared from three blueberry cultivars. Drying significantly affected physical attributes, pointed vacuum drying as preferred. The highest phenolics content was ensured by spray- and freeze-drying (9.32–30.36 and 9.25–30.94 mg · 100 g−1 dry matter, respectively). Inulin lowered bioactives by 48% and alleviated cultivar-driven differences in powders. Phenolic profile affected antibacterial activity towards Campylobacter jejuni stronger than phenolic content. Ten out of fifteen carrier-free powders showed bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori, while one among inulin-added. Vacuum drying improved anti-inflammatory properties in gastric cell cultures infected with Helicobacter pylori of selected blueberry products compared to spray- and freeze-drying. The study provides comprehensive insight into blueberry powders manufacturing with high scientific and practical significance.