%0 Journal Article %T Fabrication of soy protein-polyphenol covalent complex nanoparticles with improved wettability to stabilize high-oil-phase curcumin emulsions. %A Xu J %A Ji F %A Luo S %A Jiang S %A Yu Z %A Ye A %A Zheng Z %J J Sci Food Agric %V 0 %N 0 %D 2024 Jun 19 %M 38895880 %F 4.125 %R 10.1002/jsfa.13672 %X BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that the wettability of protein-based emulsifiers is critical for emulsion stability. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of varying epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) concentrations on the wettability of protein-based emulsifiers. Additionally, limited studies have examined the effectiveness of soy protein-EGCG covalent complex nanoparticles with improved wettability as emulsifiers for stabilizing high-oil-phase (≥ 30%) curcumin emulsions.
RESULTS: Soy protein isolate (SPI)-EGCG complex nanoparticles (SPIEn) with improved wettability were fabricated to stabilize high-oil-phase curcumin emulsions. The results showed that EGCG forms covalent bonds with SPI, which changes its secondary structure, enhances its surface charge, and improves its wettability. Moreover, SPIEn with 2.0 g L -1 EGCG (SPIEn-2.0) exhibited a better three-phase contact angle (56.8 ± 0.3o) and zeta potential (-27 mV) than SPI. SPIEn-2.0 also facilitated the development of curcumin emulsion gels at an oil volume fraction of 0.5. Specifically, the enhanced network between droplets as a result of the packing effects and SPIEn-2.0 with inherent antioxidant function was more effective at inhibiting curcumin degradation during long-term storage and ultraviolet light exposure.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that SPIEn with 2.0 g L -1 EGCG (SPIEn-2.0) comprises the optimum conditions for fabricating emulsifiers with improved wettability. Additionally, SPIEn-0.2 can improve the physicochemical stability of high-oil-phase curcumin emulsions, suggesting a novel strategy to design and fabricate high-oil-phase emulsion for encapsulating bioactive compounds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.