Influence of Aqueous Phase Composition on Double Emulsion Stability and Colour Retention of Encapsulated Anthocyanins

Water-in-oil-in-water (W₁/O/W₂) emulsions (double emulsions) have often been used for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins. Instability of both anthocyanins and double emulsions creates a need for a tailored composition of the aqueous phase. In this work, double emulsions with a gelled internal water phase were produced and monitored over a 20-day storage period. The effect of the electrolyte phase composition (varying electrolyte components, including adipic acid, citric acid, and varying concentration of potassium chloride (KCl)) on anthocyanin and double emulsion stability was analysed using colour analysis, droplet sizing, and emulsion rheology. The effect of electrolytes on colour retention was shown to differ between the primary W₁/O emulsion and the secondary W₁/O/W₂ emulsion. Furthermore, droplet size analysis and emulsion rheology highlighted significant differences in the stability and structural behaviour of the emulsions as a function of electrolyte composition. In terms of colour retention and emulsion stability, a citrate-buffered system performed best. The results of this study highlight the importance of strict control of aqueous phase constituents to prevent anthocyanin degradation and maximise double emulsion stability. Additional experiments analysed the effect of pectin chemistry on the anthocyanin colour retention and leakage, finding no conclusive difference between the unmodified and amidated pectin.