In this work, we investigated structural characteristics and stability analysis of the coconut oil body (COB) and its application for loading β-carotene (β-CA). The COB contained neutral lipids (81.1 ± 2.1 %), membrane proteins (0.6 ± 0.0 %), and moistures (18.3 ± 3.2 %), in which the molecular weights of membrane proteins ranged from 12 kDa to 40 kDa, as analyzed by the SDS-PAGE. The COB exhibited a small droplet diameter (5.1 ± 0.3 µm) with a monomodal diameter distribution, as reflected by the dynamic light scattering. The COB showed stable states at alkaline pH values (pH 8-10) and instability against ionic strengths (50-200 mmol/L) and thermal treatment (30-90℃) after analyzing the instability indexes. COB-based emulsions were favorable for the loading and retention of β-CA, as reflected by free fatty acids release rates and bioaccessibility in the simulated gastrointestinal digestion. This study will contribute to using the coconut oil bodies for loading bioactive nutraceuticals to enhance their bioaccessibility.
Keywords: Bioaccessibility; Coconut oil body; Composition; Free fatty acids release rates; Loading β-carotene; Physical stability.
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