Encapsulation of lycopene in Pickering emulsion stabilized by complexes of whey protein isolate fibrils and sodium alginate: Physicochemical property, structural characterization and in vitro digestion property

In present study, whey protein isolate fibrils and sodium alginate complexes (WPIFs-SA) were prepared and further used to stabilize Pickering emulsions for lycopene delivery. The optimal interaction between WPIFs and SA occurred at pH 3.0, with a mass ratio of 2:1. Increasing the oil fractions and the content of WPIFs-SA complexes significantly improved Pickering emulsions' stability, concurrently reducing droplet size and increasing viscoelasticity. Meanwhile, it facilitated the formation of a thicker protective layer and a compact network structure around the oil droplets, offering better protection for lycopene against thermal and photo degradation. In vitro digestion studies revealed that as the oil fractions and complex contents increased, the lipolysis degree decreased. The engineered WPIFs-SA Pickering emulsion could be used as an innovative delivery system for the protection and delivery of lycopene.