Encapsulation and protection of β-carotene in Pickering emulsions stabilized by chitosan-phytic acid-cyclodextrin nanoparticles

β-Carotene is a hydrophobic molecule that can be isolated from plants that acts as a natural pigmen and nutraceutical. However, the limited water-solubility, oxidative-stability, and bioavailability limit its utilization in functional food, supplement, and pharmaceutical products. Pickering emulsions stabilized by chitosan-phytic acid-cyclodextrin (CS-PA-CD) nanoparticles were prepared to improve the delivery, stability, and bioavailability of β-carotene. The impact of nanoparticle concentration (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% w/v) and oil phase fraction (30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% v/v) on the stability of β-carotene-loaded Pickering emulsions was investigated. The Pickering emulsions that were most stable to phase separation were formed at intermediate oil concentrations (50%-60% v/v). The encapsulated β-carotene exhibited improved resistance to heating (70 °C) and UV light exposure. Moreover, the bioaccessibility of β-carotene was also improved using a simulated gastrointestinal model. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of CS-PA-CD nanoparticles for forming and stabilizing Pickering emulsion-based delivery carrier for hydrophobic bioactive substances.