ARCHIVES
VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Impact of dehydration technologies on the stability of bioactive compounds in Opuntia ficus-indica powder: Implications for functional food development
Authors
Vo Thi My Nga
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica
(OFI) cladodes have emerged as a promising plant-based ingredient for
functional food and nutraceutical applications due to their high content of
thermolabile bioactive compounds, including betalains, vitamin C, and high-molecular-weight
mucilage. These constituents collectively contribute to antioxidant activity,
modulation of postprandial glycemia, and gut health. However, the high moisture
content and water activity of fresh cladodes necessitate dehydration to ensure
microbial stability and industrial usability. Dehydration, while essential,
imposes thermal, oxidative, and mechanical stresses that may compromise
molecular integrity and functional performance. This work critically examines
the impact of major dehydration technologies—lyophilization, spray drying, and
convective hot-air drying—on the physicochemical stability of OFI bioactives
and their functional implications, particularly in the context of Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Special emphasis is placed on the preservation of the
arabinogalactan–protein (AGP) mucilage complex, which governs rheological
behavior and glucose diffusion retardation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Accumulated evidence indicates that lyophilization provides superior retention
of betalains (>90%), vitamin C, and mucilage viscosity by minimizing thermal
and oxidative degradation and preserving porous microstructure. In contrast,
convective hot-air drying promotes Maillard reactions, oxidative loss of
antioxidants, and polysaccharide depolymerization, leading to diminished
functional efficacy. Optimized spray drying, particularly when employing
low-glycemic carriers such as inulin, represents a viable compromise between
quality preservation and industrial feasibility. The review highlights the
necessity of aligning dehydration technology and formulation strategies with
targeted health claims to ensure the development of evidence-based functional
foods.
Pages:11-17
How to cite this article:
Vo Thi My Nga "Impact of dehydration technologies on the stability of bioactive compounds in <i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i> powder: Implications for functional food development". International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 11-17
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.