Physicochemical stability and controlled release of vitamin D3-loaded emulsions stabilised by whey protein isolate-basil seed gum conjugates.

Aim: The present study was conducted to produce a new carrier containing whey protein isolate-basil seed gum (WPI-BSG) conjugate to achieve superior physicochemical stability of emulsions containing vitamin D₃ (Vit-D₃).

Methods: Zeta-potential and particle size analysis, spectrophotometric method, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and dialysis bag method were used to examined physicochemical stability and Vit-D₃ release from the emulsions.

Results: The conjugate-stabilised emulsion showed maximum encapsulation efficiency (87.05 ± 3.37% (w/w)) and loading capacity (5.43 ± 0.08% (w/w)) at the Vit-D3 concentration of 200 and 300 mg/kg. This emulsion also demonstrated good physical stability after 30 days of storage with the zeta potential and mean droplet size of -79.60 ± 0.62 mV and 1346.82 ± 5.95 nm, respectively. Additionally, the conjugate-stabilised emulsion had a maximum Vit-D₃ retention (chemical stability) of 72.79 ± 3.58% after a 15-day storage period.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the conjugate-stabilised emulsion has a good stabilising capacity as a carrier for hydrophobic compounds such as Vit-D₃.