Anthocyanin-loaded complexes of glycated dual milk-derived proteins: thermal stability, storage stability, and...

Anthocyanin (ACN) have attracted considerable scholarly attention owing to exceptional biological activities. Nonetheless, their limited stability and bioavailability present significant challenges to practical applications. To enhance the thermal stability, storage stability, and simulated digestion of ACN, we utilized whey protein isolate nanofibrils-casein (CA) complexes (WPCA) and WPCA- fucoidan (FD) glycated conjugates (WPCA-FD), as developed in our previous study, to formulate ACN-loaded complexes. These complexes, referred to as Complex I (ACN@CA), Complex II (ACN@WPCA), and Complex III (ACN@WPCA-FD), were synthesized using ultrasonic treatment. The average particle sizes of these complexes were determined to be 102.1 nm, 175.5 nm, and 365.3 nm, respectively. The ACN encapsulation efficiency of Complex III (59.47 %) increased almost 18 % than Complex I, while Complex III had the highest zeta potential (-35.25 mV). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the surface of Complex III displayed an increased overall size and distinct morphological features, characterized by a uniform, regularly spherical shape with a relatively smooth texture. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy verified that the formation of complexes was facilitated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, with a notable hydrogen bond interaction occurring between ACN and WPCA-FD. Furthermore, the protective effect (thermal and storage stability) of Complex III was more significant, showed slower ACN release in simulated releasing environment in vitro. This study demonstrated significant potential for enhancing the applicability of stabilizing anthocyanin in developmental processes.