Maltodextrin concentration on the encapsulation efficiency of tempeh protein concentrate from Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis): physical, chemical, and structural properties

Jack Bean tempeh, a highly nutritious protein source, is underutilized in the food industry. As a protein concentrate, the protein hydrolyzate has a limited shelf life, necessitating encapsulation for preservation. Encapsulation, mainly through freeze-drying, is a promising solution. This study, which explores the impact of different maltodextrin concentrations on the physical and chemical properties of encapsulated Jack Bean protein concentrate, has the potential to advance food technology and nutrition significantly. The methodology involved descriptive analysis and the addition of maltodextrin at three distinct concentrations: 10%, 20%, and 30% (w/w), relative to the weight of the ingredients. Meanwhile, the parameters investigated included protein content, yield, total solids, water and oil absorption, encapsulation effectiveness, and microstructure, which were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the concentration of maltodextrin significantly influenced the encapsulation process. The protein content, water absorption, oil absorption, porosity, and encapsulation efficiency reached their peak at a maltodextrin concentration of 10%, with values of 27.26 ± 0.18%, 2.20 ± 0.05 g/g, 2.15 ± 0.02 ml/g, 0.52 ± 0.5%, and 73.19 ± 0.3%, respectively. Conversely, a 30% concentration of maltodextrin led to an increase in the yield to 61.33 ± 0.35% and the total solids to 92.52 ± 0.13%. The freeze-drying process resulted in non-uniform shapes in the microstructure in all treatments.