High internal phase Pickering emulsion stabilized by succinylation of myofibrillar protein for β-carotene delivery

The emulsifying properties and stability of high internal phase Pickering emulsion (HIPPEs) stabilized by octenyl succinic anhydride (1 %–26 % by weight of MP) modified myofibrillar protein (OSA-modified MP) were investigated. Using 3 % OSA modified MP to stabilize β-carotene-loaded HIPPEs, and systematically exploring the effect of β-carotene concentration (0.005–0.100 wt%) on internal structural and functional properties of HIPPEs. Results show that as the amount of OSA increases, the emulsion droplets become smaller and more uniform. The HIPPEs stabilized by OSA-modified MP have good thermal stability, storage stability and centrifugation stability, but poor freeze-thaw stability. HIPPEs achieved a 93 % encapsulation efficiency for 0.25 % β-carotene. HIPPEs enriched with carotene demonstrate superior antioxidant performance compared to carotene alone. In addition, the stable emulsion of OSA-modified MP encapsulating β-carotene exhibits a sustained release effect. This study contributes to the advancement of bioactive delivery systems.