Hazelnut Protein and Sodium Alginate Complex Coacervates: An Effective Tool for the Encapsulation of the Hydrophobic Polyphenol Quercetin
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: For valorization purposes of hazelnut byproducts, complex coacervation of hazelnut protein isolate (HPI) with sodium alginate (NaAlg) was investigated by turbidimetric analysis and zeta potential determination as a function of pH and protein/alginate mixing ratio. HPI-NaAlg complex coacervates were used as an encapsulating material of quercetin (QE) at different concentrations. The optimal pH and mixing ratio resulting in the highest turbidity and neutral charge were 3.5 and 6:1, respectively. The coacervation yield was 74.9% in empty capsules and up to 90.0% in the presence of QE. Under optimal conditions, HPI-NaAlg complex coacervates achieved an encapsulation efficiency higher than 99% in all coacervate/QE formulations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed the occurrence of electrostatic interactions between different functional groups within the ternary complex in addition to hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions between QE and HPI. HPI-NaAlg complex coacervates can serve as an alternative matrix for the microencapsulation of bioactive ingredients with low water solubility in food formulations, which adds an additional valorization of hazelnut byproducts.
Source: ACS Omega
Institution: Istanbul Technical University
Language: English
Topic: Proteins in Food Systems
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
Awards: G3017606158, G8499767981
OpenAlex ID: W4401713625
