Affiliation:
1. College of Food Science and Technology Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou China
2. Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Green Low‐carbon and Efficient Development of Marine Fishery Resources Hangzhou China
3. Key Laboratory of Food Macromolecular Resources Processing Technology Research (Zhejiang University of Technology) China National Light Industry Hangzhou China
4. Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian China
Abstract
AbstractBACKGROUNDAlgae oil has garnered widespread acclaim due as a result of its high purity of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and excellent safety profile. The present study aimed to develop stable nanoemulsions (NEs) systems containing DHA from algae oil through thermal sterilization by combining modified whey protein concentrate (WPC) with low methoxyl pectin (LMP), as well as to investigate the impact of LMP concentration on the thermal stability and the gastrointestinal delivery efficiency of DHA NEs.RESULTSThe addition of LMP enhanced the stability of the emulsion after sterilization, at the same time as improving the protective and sustained release effects of DHA in the gastrointestinal tract. Optimal effect was achieved at a LMP concentration of 1% (10 g kg−1 sample), the stability of the emulsion after centrifugation increased by 17.21 ± 5.65% compared to the group without LMP, and the loss of DHA after sterilization decreased by only 0.92 ± 0.09%. Furthermore, the addition of 1% LMP resulted in a substantial reduction in the release of fatty acids from the NEs after gastrointestinal digestion simulation, achieving the desired sustained‐release effect. However, excessive addition of 2% (20 g kg−1 sample) LMP negatively impacted all aspects of the NEs system, primarily because of the occurrence of depletion effects.CONCLUSIONThe construction of the LMP/WPC‐NEs system is conducive to the protection of DHA in algae oil and its sustained‐release in the gastrointestinal tract. The results of the present study can provide reference guidance for the application of algae oil NEs in the food field. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.