Maltodextrin vitamin E succinate: A novel antioxidant emulsifier for formulating functional nanoemulsions

A new multifunctional emulsifier was synthesized by coupling maltodextrin with a dextrose equivalent of 19 to vitamin E succinate. Two emulsifiers with varying degrees of vitamin E succinate substitution were prepared based on different mass ratios of vitamin E succinate to maltodextrin. The molecular structure and purity of these emulsifiers were analyzed. Nanoemulsions were prepared using octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch as a control to investigate the physical stability, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stability, and in vitro simulated digestive properties of the nanoemulsions. The emulsifying and antioxidant activity of the maltodextrin-vitamin E succinate conjugate was significantly superior to that of octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch, demonstrating good physical and oxidative stability. Additionally, they were rapidly digested under simulated small intestinal conditions. This new emulsifier shows broad application potential for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of hydrophobic bioactive substances in the fields of medicine, food, and healthcare products.