Abstract
This work aimed to investigate the feasibility and delivery capacity of Pickering emulsions stabilized by chitosan-modified self-assembled ferritin-riboflavin nanoparticles (BRC-NPs). Results showed that after the modification of nanoparticles with chitosan, the size of BRC-NPs was 56.99 nm. The structure, thermal and functional properties of the BRC-NPs were significantly improved through the electrostatic interaction between chitosan and ferritin. Rheological properties, emulsifying properties and stability of the Pickering emulsion were modulated by BRC-NPs concentration. When the BRC-NPs concentration was 0.4%, the Pickering emulsion had better viscosity, viscoelasticity and creep properties. Moreover, 0.4% BRC-NPs can increase the storage and light stability of the emulsion and delay its lipid oxidation. In vitro digestion results showed that ferritin digestion and lipid oxidation in the emulsion were delayed as the concentration of BRC-NPs increased, achieving sustainable release of riboflavin and improving its bioavailability. This study opens new avenues for using Pickering emulsions stabilized by active nanoparticles as novel delivery systems.