A review of complexed starch particles for Pickering emulsions delivery systems: Fabrication, properties, and...

Bioactive compounds face several limitations, including poor solubility, uncontrolled release, a tendency to aggregate, and susceptibility to decomposition. These issues render them highly unstable during processing and storage, resulting in low bioavailability. Pickering emulsions (PEs) have garnered significant attention for enhanced emulsion stability and functionality. Consequently, the development and application of Pickering emulsions delivery systems (PEDSs) for bioactive compounds can substantially improve their applications. This review summarizes recent applications of PEs stabilized by starch-based complex particles for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactive compounds. We discuss the composition and preparation methodologies for starch-based complex particles formed with proteins, fatty acids, polyphenols, and other polysaccharides, as well as the enhanced properties and advantages arising from successful complexion. Furthermore, PEDSs constructed using different starch-based complex particles and their potential for targeted delivery of bioactive compounds are highlighted. Moreover, future challenges and potential applications of starch-based complex particles in ongoing research are addressed. This review provides valuable insights into the design and application of starch-based complex particles, offering both theoretical guidance and practical references for developing stable and efficient PEDSs for bioactive compounds.