Fabrication of oleogel-structured microcapsules for enhanced stability: effect of oil phase solidification

Abstract In this study, the influence of oil phase’s solidification extent on the stability of the microcapsules was explored, in which various content of stearic acid (SA) was incorporated into the oil phase. The results showed that moderate solidification of the oil phase (0.8–1.5 % SA in the oil phase) in precursor emulsions had no significant impact on droplet size, and the resulting microcapsules maintained discrete spherical morphology with lower surface oil content and higher bulk density. Reconstituted microcapsules with SA < 2.0 % exhibited homogeneous dispersions. During accelerated storage at 60 °C for 60 days, microcapsules with moderately solidified oil phases (0.8–1.5 % SA) exhibited the lowest surface oil content increase, color change and peroxide value, indicating superior oxidative and physical stability. Excessive solidification (SA > 2.0 %) yielded counterproductive effects owing to microcapsule disruption from over-crystallization. This research provides important insights for the development and commercial application of oleogel-based microcapsule technology.