| Summary: | This study aimed to protect phenolic compounds of <i>Cyclocarya paliurus</i> (Batal.) Iljinskaja (<i>C. paliurus</i>) using a microencapsulation technique. Ethanol and aqueous extracts were prepared from <i>C. paliurus</i> leaves and microencapsulated via microfluidic-jet spray drying using three types of wall material: (1) maltodextrin (MD; 10–13, DE) alone; (2) MD:gum acacia (GA) of 1:1 ratio; (3) MD:GA of 1:3 ratio. The powders’ physicochemical properties, microstructure, and phenolic profiles were investigated, emphasizing the retentions of the total and individual phenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacities (<i>AOC</i>) after spray drying. Results showed that all powders had good physical properties, including high solubilities (88.81 to 99.12%), low moisture contents (4.09 to 6.64%) and low water activities (0.11 to 0.19). The extract type used for encapsulation was significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) influenced the powder color, and more importantly the retention of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and <i>AOC</i>. Overall, the ethanol extract powders showed higher TPC and <i>AOC</i> values (50.93–63.94 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 444.63–513.49 µM TE/g, respectively), while powders derived from the aqueous extract exhibited superior solubility, attractive color, and good retention of individual phenolic compounds after spray drying. The high-quality powders obtained in the current study will bring opportunities for use in functional food products with potential health benefits.
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