Enhanced stability and bioavailability of mulberry anthocyanins through the development of sodium caseinate-konjac...

This study was carried out to improve the stability of anthocyanins (ACNs) by developing MA-SC-KGM nanoparticles using a self-assembly method that involved the combination of sodium caseinate (SC) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) with mulberry anthocyanin extract (MA). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis showed SC encapsulated MA successfully. Multispectral techniques demonstrated the presence of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in the nanoparticles. MA-SC-KGM ternary mixture improved storage stability, color stability and anthocyanin retention better compared to the MA-SC binary mixture. Notably, MA-SC-KGM nanoparticles significantly inhibited the thermal degradation of ACNs, improved pH stability, and showed stability and a slow-release effect in gastrointestinal digestion experiments. In addition, MA-SC-KGM nanoparticles were effective in scavenging DPPH· and ABTS⁺ free radicals, with enhanced stability and antioxidant capacity even during the heating process. This study successfully developed a novel MA-SC-KGM protein-polysaccharide composite material that effectively stabilized natural ACNs, expanding the application of ACNs in various industries.