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 D-3 (Vit-D-3). 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-D-3 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-D-3 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-D-3.