Lipid digestion profiles of pickering emulsion gels stabilized by β-glucans microgel particles

Abstract

Pickering emulsion gels (PEGs) stabilized by microgel particles (MPs) have a wide range of applications. However, the extent and mechanisms of lipid digestion in these PEGs are still unclear. In this study, we explored how the concentration of β-glucans MPs and different stabilizers influence the lipid digestion profiles. Our findings revealed a significant role of β-glucans MPs in modulating lipid digestion, with a reduction in lipid digestion rate and extent correlated with an increase in MPs concentration. Notably, compared to droplets stabilized by other agents, emulsions stabilized by β-glucans MPs exhibited the lowest initial release rate (0.81 ± 0.08 FFA%/min) and final degree of digestion (18.96% ± 0.42%) of free fatty acids. Lipid droplets stabilized by β-glucan MPs were able to effectively resist the effects of high ionic strength and complex components in the oral and gastric environments, maintaining their structural integrity and preventing droplet aggregation. Our results indicated that β-glucans MPs are not only effective stabilizers but also provide a novel approach to controlling lipid digestibility.