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Astaxanthin-loaded high internal phase Pickering emulsion prepared using water-soluble protein complex from Antarctic
Xuedi Zhang1, Yangyang1, Meng Jiao1
1School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China; Engineering Research Center of Seafood of Ministry of Education of China, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China; SKL of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China.
Abstract:
Antarctic krill protein is a high-nutrient protein resource, and its high-value development and diversified market applications are crucial to meet the growing demand of consumers for healthy foods. This study pioneered the application of the water-soluble protein complex of Antarctic krill (WPAK) in high internal phase Pickering emulsion (HIPPE). The droplets of HIPPE system based on WPAK (HIPPE80), were closely arranged and evenly distributed, with a particle size of 7 μm. After centrifugation, salt ion treatment, and long-term storage, HIPPE80 showed excellent stability, without signs of emulsion droplet swelling. Based on the electronegativity of WPAK, HIPPE80 showed apparent aggregation behavior after simulated digestion in gastric fluid in vitro. When subjected to simulated intestinal fluid digestion, the aggregation behavior of HIPPE80 disappeared, showing a dispersed state without swelling or rupture. Additionally, HIPPE80 could efficiently load astaxanthin (AXT) and maintain its photothermal stability. In terms of rheological evaluation, AXT-loaded HIPPE80 exhibited significant elastic solid properties and viscoelasticity, which contributed to its good spatial structural morphology and stability in 3D printing. This study innovatively explored the application of WPAK as a green, readily available, and resource-rich solid material in the fields of HIPPE and 3D-printed food, laying a research foundation for the high-quality application of Antarctic krill protein.
