Stability of Trans‐Resveratrol Encapsulated in a Protein Matrix Produced Using Spray Drying to UV Light Stress and Simulated Gastro‐Intestinal Digestion

Trans‐resveratrol has demonstrated the potential to provide both therapeutic and preventive activities against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The incorporation of trans‐resveratrol into food products would allow for broader access of this bioactive compound to a larger population. However, this strategy is limited by instability of trans‐resveratrol under environmental conditions and within the digestive system leading to isomerization of trans‐resveratrol (bioactive form) to cis‐resveratrol (bio‐inactive form). Studies in the stabilization of trans‐resveratrol into protein microparticles are presented. Trans‐resveratrol was encapsulated using whey protein concentrate (WPC) or sodium caseinate (SC), with or without anhydrous milk fat (AMF). Binding of resveratrol and aromatic residues in protein was estimated utilizing the Stern–Volmer equation and the number of tryptophan residues. The stability of encapsulated resveratrol was evaluated after exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light and 3‐stage in vitro digestion. After UVA light exposure, SC‐based microcapsules maintained a higher trans:cis resveratrol ratio (0.63, P < 0.05) than WPC‐based microcapsules (0.43) and unencapsulated resveratrol (0.49). In addition, encapsulation of resveratrol in both protein microparticles led to an increased digestive stability and bioaccessibility in comparison to unencapsulated resveratrol (47% and 23%, respectively, P < 0.05). SC‐based microcapsules provided a higher digestive stability and bioaccessibility (86% and 81%; P < 0.05) compared to WPC‐based microcapsules (71% and 68%). The addition of AMF to the microcapsules did not significantly change the in vitro digestion values. In conclusion, SC‐based microencapsulation increased the stability of trans‐resveratrol to UVA light exposure and simulated digestion conditions. This encapsulation‐system‐approach can be extended to other labile, bioactive polyphenols.