Noncovalent interaction-driven self-assembly of β-cyclodextrin-soy protein isolate supramolecular aggregates for cinnamon essential oil microencapsulation: Application in postharvest preservation of garlic scapes.

To overcome the challenges posed by the inherent properties of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) in practical applications, an effective microencapsulation system (CEO@SPI/βCD) was developed using supramolecular aggregates of β-cyclodextrin and soy protein isolate, serving as a natural preservative for garlic scapes. The microcapsules achieved a particle size of 61.333 ± 3.65 μm, while their high negative surface charge (-26.20 ± 0.68 mV) imparted excellent storage stability to CEO@SPI/βCD. Structural characterization confirmed the effective encapsulation of CEO and the noncovalent interactions between the wall materials. Additionally, microencapsulation enhanced the thermal stability, antimicrobial activity (MIC of 0.195-0.781 μg/mL), and sustained-release properties of CEO. Preservation experiments revealed that the CEO@SPI/βCD was superior in maintaining both the appearance and intrinsic quality of garlic scapes, as evidenced by higher nutrient content and enhanced antioxidant levels. These results provide valuable insights into the application of CEO@SPI/βCD for the postharvest preservation of garlic scapes.