Pickering emulsion: A multi-scale stabilization mechanism based on modified lotus root starch/xanthan gum nanoparticles

New Pickering emulsion stabilizer LS/XG-NPs (Lotus root starch/xanthan gum nanoparticles) was prepared via autoclaving-cooling method followed by combination with XG. The LS/XG-NPs showed uniform and stable particles with particle size <500 nm, PDI <30, and zeta potential 30–40. The autoclaving-cooling treatment completely changed the crystalline form (from A-type to B-type) and structure of starch; hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions were proved to be existed between starch and XG in LS/XG-NPs. The addition of XG increased the contact angle of LS/XG-NPs from 58.79° to 85.42°. In the prepared Pickering emulsion, the LS/XG-NPs adsorbed well on the oil droplets surface, forming a three-dimensional gel network with evenly distributed oil droplets. The Pickering emulsion prepared with LS/XG-NPs showed excellent storage stability and auto-oxidation resistance; the EPA + DHA content in the emulsion remained at 92.46 % after 5 d of storage. The results of this study suggest that LS/XG-NPs have the potential to be food-grade Pickering emulsifiers that not only stabilize emulsions but also prevent emulsion oils from oxidizing.