A ternary system of α-tocopherol with phosphatidylethanolamine and l-ascorbyl palmitate in bulk oils provides antioxidant synergy through stabilization and regeneration of α-tocopherol

Recent advances in understanding the interfacial activity of antioxidants in association colloids in bulk oil

The chemical stability of edible oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is a major challenge within the food and supplement industries, as lipid oxidation reduces oil quality and safety. Despite appearing homogeneous to the human eye, bulk oils are actually multiphase heterogeneous systems at the nanoscale level. Association colloids, such as reverse micelles, are spontaneously formed within bulk oils due to the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules that are present, like phospholipids, free fatty acids, and/or surfactants. In bulk oil, lipid oxidation often occurs at the oil-water interface of these association colloids because this is where different reactants accumulate, such as PUFAs, hydroperoxides, transition metals, and antioxidants. Consequently, the efficiency of antioxidants in bulk oils is governed by their chemical reactivity, but also by their ability to be located close to the site of oxidation. This review describes the impact of minor constituents in bulk oils on the nature of the association colloids formed. And then the formation of mixed reverse micelles (LOOH, (co)surfactants, or antioxidations) during the peroxidation of bulk oils, as well as changes in their composition and structure over time are also discussed. The critical importance of selecting appropriate antioxidants and surfactants for the changes of interface and colloid, as well as the inhibition of lipid oxidation is emphasized. The knowledge presented in this review article may facilitate the design of bulk oil products with improved resistance to oxidation, thereby reducing food waste and improving food quality and safety.

Migration of tocopherols from the oil phase to the oil-water interface using phospholipids improved the oxidative stability of O/W emulsions

The purpose of this research was to effectively migrate tocopherols (T) to the oil-water interface layer (oxidation site) by combining hydrophobic T with amphiphilic phospholipids (P) to improve the oxidative stability of O/W emulsions. Firstly, it was confirmed that the antioxidant ability of TP combinations exhibited synergistic effects in O/W emulsions by measuring lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive species. Moreover, the introduction of P into O/W emulsions to improve the distribution of T at the interfacial layer was confirmed by centrifugation and confocal microscopy methods. Subsequently, the possible mechanisms of synergistic interaction between T and P were described by fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, electron spin resonance, quantum chemical methods and the variation of minor constituents during storage. This research revealed an in-depth insight into the antioxidant interaction mechanism of TP combinations using experimental and theoretical approaches, which provided theoretical guidance for developing emulsion products with better oxidative stability.