Development of low-oil emulsion gel by solidifying oil droplets: Roles of internal beeswax concentration

There is increasing interest in the development of low-oil emulsion gels, but little is known about fabrication of low-oil emulsion gels by adjusting oil phase. Here, we reported a facile strategy to produce an ultrastable (at least 6 months) low-oil (25% oil) emulsion gels by solidifying the oil phase. The formation and stabilization mechanisms were explored. Beeswax (BW) encased liquid oil within the crystal network, forming solidified droplets. These solidified droplets promoted droplet–droplet interaction and tended to form network, further promoting gelling. Both linear and nonlinear rheology strongly supported the fact that BW enhanced the interaction of solidified droplets and strengthened the gel structure. Finally, we utilized low-oil emulsion gels as a delivery system of curcumin. The storage stabilities of curcumin at 4 and 20 °C were improved with 1, 3 and 5 wt% BW concentrations. This strategy greatly enriches emulsion gel formulations and their applications in foods.