Improving solubility and stability of β-carotene by microencapsulation in soluble complexes formed with whey protein...

In this study, a soluble complex formed between 0.5% (w/v) heated whey protein isolate (HWPI) and 5% (w/v) octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified starch at pH 4.5 was used to encapsulate β-carotene for improving its solubility and stability. The apparent aqueous solubility of β-carotene was increased markedly (264.05 ± 72.53 μg/mL) after encapsulation in the soluble complex. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the effect of the encapsulation of β-carotene on the structure of the soluble complex. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the characteristic peaks of β-carotene disappeared in the soluble complex, suggesting that β-carotene may have been encapsulated into the soluble complex via hydrophobic interactions. X-ray diffraction indicated that the β-carotene was in an amorphous form within the soluble complex. An accelerated stability test showed that the soluble complex could effectively improve the chemical stability of β-carotene during long-term storage under low pH conditions.