Loading...
Characterization and physicochemical properties of a novel microencapsulated bio-calcium from Asian sea bass bones
Author(s)
Date Issued
December 1, 2025
Type
Article
Abstract
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, yet intake remains insufficient in many populations. Fishbone-derived bio-calcium from Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer), containing approximately 37.5 % calcium (dry weight), offers a cost-effective source. However, its primary form, hydroxyapatite, has low solubility due to high crystallinity, limiting its application in food fortification. This study aimed to enhance the physicochemical properties of bio-calcium (B) powders by encapsulating them with maltodextrin (M), gum arabic (G), and their combination (MG) at 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % (w/v) using spray drying. A 1:4 (w/w) ratio of B to wall materials was applied at 180 °C (inlet) and 60 °C (outlet) temperatures. Powder yields ranged from 25.2 % (15 % BG) to 30.3 % (15 % BM), with no significant differences (p > 0.05) among treatments. Encapsulated powders had higher lightness (L*) than B. The highest calcium content and encapsulation efficiency were observed in 5 % BG, while BM showed the lowest. Moisture content and water activity remained below 10 % and 0.6 %, respectively. BG had the highest hygroscopicity, while wall concentration had no significant (p > 0.05) impact. Encapsulation improved water solubility index (75.4–86.5 %), especially in BM. Particle sizes ranged from 0.92 µm (10 % BMG) to 2.89 µm (15 % BM), while zeta potentials ranged from -8.71 mV (15 % BM) to -20.90 mV (15 % BMG). Encapsulated powders were more spherical and smoother than B, while BG particles showed aggregation, whereas BMG showed mixed morphologies. These findings suggest that encapsulation enhanced the physicochemical properties of bio-calcium, supporting its potential application in calcium-fortified foods and dietary supplements.
Citation
Food Hydrocolloids for Health, 8, 2025