Fabrication of interfacial crystallized oleogel emulsion for quercetin delivery with enhanced environmental stability and bioaccessibility

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Quercetin is a flavonoid compound with numerous bioactivities. However, the low solubility, easy degradation and low bioaccessibility limit its application. In this study, a novel interfacial crystallized oleogel emulsion was fabricated, where beeswax was used as the oleogelator, for quercetin encapsulation with enhanced stability and bioaccessibility. RESULTS: The process of interfacial crystallization was investigated using interfacial rheology and polarized microscopy, with a positive correlation between crystal density and beeswax content in the oil phase. Emulsion stability was directly linked to beeswax concentration in the oil phase, with 100 mg g−1 showing enhanced stability under storage, UVB light exposure and ionic conditions. Beeswax addition significantly increased the quercetin loading capacity of the emulsion; particularly, at a 200 mg g−1 beeswax concentration, the loading capacity was improved by 285.55%, and the environmental stability was enhanced against UV light and Ca2+. Ultimately, in vitro simulated digestion experiment indicated improved bioaccessibility of quercetin. CONCLUSIONS: This strategy significantly enriched the formulation of oleogel emulsion and its potential applications in delivering bioactive ingredients with high environmental vulnerability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.