Preparation and characterization of W1/O/W2 emulsions stabilized by glycated and heat‐modified egg white proteins

BACKGROUND Water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W1/O/W2) emulsions stabilized by protein–carbohydrate complexes were prepared from an inner water phase (W1), an oil phase (O) and an outer water phase (W2). The complexes consisted of heat‐induced aggregates (HIAs) of isomalto‐oligosaccharide/egg white protein Maillard conjugates. The effects of polyglycerol ester of polyricinoleic acid (PGPR) concentration, HIA concentration, W1‐to‐O volume ratio and W1/O‐to‐W2 volume ratio on the properties of the W1/O/W2 emulsions were systematically investigated. RESULTS At sufficiently high PGPR concentrations (>2%), the emulsions possess a high negative charge (≈−44 mV). The encapsulation efficiency of the emulsions, which was determined by incorporating a hydrophilic yellow dye in the inner water phase prior to homogenization, was relatively high (up to 93%) and did not change significantly during 14‐day storage at 4 °C. All emulsions were fluids that exhibited shear thinning behavior. CONCLUSION Overall, this study shows that nature‐derived emulsifiers can be used to create W1/O/W2 emulsions suitable for application in the food industry. In addition, we provided a viable strategy to encapsulate water‐soluble nutrients. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.