Fabrication of interfacial crystallized oleogel emulsion for quercetin delivery with enhanced environmental stability and bioaccessibility

BACKGROUND Quercetin is a flavonoid compound with numerous bioactivities. However, the low solubility, easy degradation and low bioaccessibility limit its application. In this study, a novel interfacial crystallized oleogel emulsion was fabricated, where beeswax was used as the oleogelator, for quercetin encapsulation with enhanced stability and bioaccessibility. RESULTS The process of interfacial crystallization was investigated using interfacial rheology and polarized microscopy, with a positive correlation between crystal density and beeswax content in the oil phase. Emulsion stability was directly linked to beeswax concentration in the oil phase, with 100 mg g −1 showing enhanced stability under storage, UVB light exposure and ionic conditions. Beeswax addition significantly increased the quercetin loading capacity of the emulsion; particularly, at a 200 mg g −1 beeswax concentration, the loading capacity was improved by 285.55%, and the environmental stability was enhanced against UV light and Ca 2+ . Ultimately, in vitro simulated digestion experiment indicated improved bioaccessibility of quercetin. CONCLUSIONS This strategy significantly enriched the formulation of oleogel emulsion and its potential applications in delivering bioactive ingredients with high environmental vulnerability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.