Rennet coagulation properties of milk in the presence of oil droplets stabilised by a combination of sodium caseinate and whey protein isolate

Whey Protein Sodium-Caseinate as a Deliverable Vector for EGCG: In Vitro Optimization of Its Bioaccessibility, Bioavailability, and Bioactivity Mode of Actions

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the principal catechin in green tea, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties. However, its clinical efficacy is hindered by poor stability and low bioavailability. This study investigated solid particle-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) emulsions stabilized by whey protein isolate (WPI) and sodium caseinate (NaCas) as carriers to enhance the bioavailability and intestinal absorption of EGCG. Molecular docking revealed binding interactions between EGCG and these macromolecules. The WPI- and NaCas-stabilized emulsions exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies (>80%) and significantly enhanced the bioaccessibility of EGCG by 64% compared to free EGCG after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Notably, the NaCas emulsion facilitated higher intestinal permeability of EGCG across Caco-2 monolayers, attributed to the strong intermolecular interactions between caseins and EGCG. Furthermore, the emulsions protected Caco-2 cells against oxidative stress by suppressing intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. These findings demonstrate the potential of WPI- and NaCas-stabilized emulsions as effective delivery systems to improve the bioavailability, stability, and bioactivity of polyphenols like EGCG, enabling their applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Encapsulation of coenzyme Q10 in a simple emulsion-based nutraceutical formulation and application in cheese manufacturing

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was encapsulated successfully in a nutraceutical formulation composed of calcium caseinate, flaxseed oil and lecithin. The effect of CoQ10 on the physico-chemical stability of emulsions was compared to emulsions without CoQ10. According to ATR-FTIR analysis, emulsions were found to be more stable in the presence of CoQ10. The emulsion with CoQ10 was used as a functional cream in the cheese making process. The retention rate of CoQ10, composition and cheese yield were also determined. Quantification of CoQ10 by HPLC showed that the retention of this lipophilic agent into cheese matrix was 93% and equivalent to the total lipid retention. Protein retention and cheese yield were not affected by the addition of the functional cream. For the first time, CoQ10 has been encapsulated in a cheese matrix, hence demonstrating that CoQ10 could be used in the development of functional cheeses.