Characterization of high-internal-phase emulsions based on soy protein isolate with varying concentrations of soy hull polysaccharide and their capabilities for probiotic delivery: In vivo and in vitro release and thermal stability

In this study, the impact of soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) concentration on high-internal-phase emulsions (HIPEs) formation and the gastrointestinal viability of Lactobacillus plantarum within HIPEs were demonstrated. Following the addition of SHP, competitive adsorption with soy protein isolate (SPI) occurred, leading to increased protein adhesion to the oil-water interface and subsequent coating of oil droplets. This process augmented viscosity and enhanced HIPEs stability. Specifically, 1.8 % SHP had the best encapsulation efficiency and delivery efficiency, reaching 99.3 % and 71.1 %, respectively. After 14 d of continuous zebrafishs feeding, viable counts of Lactobacillus plantarum and complex probiotics in the intestinal tract was 1.1 x 107, 1.3 x 107, respectively. In vitro experiments further proved that HIPEs' ability to significantly enhance probiotics' intestinal colonization and provided targeted release for colon-specific delivery. These results provided a promising strategy for HIPEs-encapsulated probiotic delivery systems in oral food applications.