Dewi Cakrawati, Khemmapas Tresuwan, Dwi Lestari Rahayu, Afianti Sulastri, Mustika Nuramalia Handayani, Yatti Sugiarti, Josephine Tanesha
The consumption of kombucha has been increasing in recent years due to its health benefits. However, its strong and distinctive flavor can be a limiting factor for consumer acceptance. Therefore, producing kombucha beads through spherification provides an alternative method of consuming kombucha. This study investigated the effect of sodium alginate (SA) concentration on the release of total phenolic content, reducing sugar, and antioxidant capacity from kombucha beads. Additionally, the stability of kombucha beads in simulated gastric juice was investigated in terms of viable bacteria. The microstructure of kombucha beads was investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The result showed that kombucha beads produced tear-shaped beads. Increasing the concentration of sodium alginate led to an increase in the size and hardness of the kombucha beads (P < 0.05). However, increasing the concentration of sodium alginate did not affect the release of total phenolic content, reducing sugar and antioxidant capacity (P ≥ 0.05). Interestingly, 1% SA-kombucha beads had the highest viability of bacteria (P < 0.05) after low pH simulation compared to 2% to 5% SA-kombucha beads. SEM analysis revealed that kombucha beads had cavities and deposits of NaCl at 2% and higher concentrations of sodium alginate. While the FTIR spectra showed that no new peaks were generated in the kombucha beads, stretching peaks were observed at 3000-3500 cm-1. This study highlighted the potential of alginate beads for encapsulating polyphenolic compounds as an innovative approach for food applications. Further study is needed to understand the release behavior of probiotic microorganisms in kombucha during digestion. © 2025, Jambi University. All rights reserved.
Study Program of Food Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia; Department of Applied Microbiology, Institute of Food Research and Product Development, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; Study program of Nursing, Faculty of Sport and Health Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia; Study program of Agro-Industry Education Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia
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