Exploiting encapsulated Himalayan walnut oil as a vivid source of essential fatty acids for the development of novel functional bread

New perspective on protein-based microcapsules as delivery vehicles for sensitive substances: A review

Sensitive substances have attracted wide attention due to their rich functional activities, such as antibiosis activities, antioxidant activities and prevent disease, etc. However, the low stability of sensitive substances limits their bioavailability and functional activities. Protein-based microcapsules can encapsulate sensitive substances to improve their adverse properties due to their good stability, strong emulsifying ability and wide source. Therefore, it is necessary to fully elaborate and summarize protein-based microcapsules to maximize their potential benefits in nutritional interventions. The focus of this review is to highlight the classification of protein-based microcapsules. In addition, the principles, advantages and disadvantages of preparation methods for protein-based microcapsules are summarized. Some novel preparation methods for protein-based microcapsules are also emphasized. Moreover, the mechanism of protein-based microcapsules that release sensitive substances in vitro is elucidated and summarized. Furthermore, the applications of protein-based microcapsules are outlined. Protein-based microcapsules can effectively encapsulate sensitive substances, which improve their bioavailability, and provide protective effects during storage and gastrointestinal digestion. In addition, microcapsules can improve the sensory quality of food and enhance its stability. The performance of protein-based microcapsules for delivering sensitive substances is influenced by factors such as protein type, the ratio between protein ratio and the other wall material, the preparation process, etc. Future research should focus on the new composite protein-based microcapsule delivery system, which can be applied to in vivo research and have synergistic effects and precise nutritional functions. In summary, protein-based microcapsules have broader research prospects in the functional foods and nutrition field.

Current Advantages in the Application of Microencapsulation in Functional Bread Development

Bread is one of the most widely embraced food products and is highly accepted by consumers. Despite being rich in complex carbohydrates (i.e., starch), bread is generally poor in other micro- and macronutrients. Rising consumer demand for healthier food has resulted in the growth of studies focused on bread fortification with bioactive ingredients (i.e., vitamins, prebiotics, and vegetable extracts). However, the baking process leads to the reduction (or even lessening) of the added substance. In addition, the direct inclusion of bioactive compounds and additives in bread has other limitations, such as adverse effects on sensory characteristics and undesirable interaction with other food ingredients. Encapsulation allows for overcoming these drawbacks and at the same time improves the overall quality and shelf-life of bread by controlling the release, protection, and uniform distribution of these compounds. In the last ten years, several studies have shown that including micro/nano-encapsulated bioactive substances instead of free compounds allows for the enrichment or fortification of bread, which can be achieved without negatively impacting its physicochemical and textural properties. This review aims to identify and highlight useful applications in the production of new functional bread through encapsulation technology, summarizing the heath benefit and the effect of microcapsule inclusion in dough and bread from a technological and sensory point of view.

Structuring functional mayonnaise incorporated with Himalayan walnut oil Pickering emulsions by ultrasound assisted emulsification

Nowadays Pickering emulsions have attracted immense attention due to their enhanced stability and numerous food applications. In this context, the present study was aimed to introduce Pickering emulsions stabilized by soy protein isolate (SPI)-maltodextrin (MD)-pectin complex incorporated with Himalayan walnut oil (HWO) for development of novel mayonnaise by ultrasound assisted emulsification. The functional mayonnaise was characterised for its stability, structural, textural, rheological and morphological properties. The rheological and microstructure measurements indicated that use of SPI-pectin HWO emulsions had a viscoelastic solid behaviour (G' > G″) with highly interconnected gel-like network structure leading to diffused oil droplet distribution. An increase in particle size diameter (1.86-5.09 µm) and hardness values (43.16-69.08 N) was seen with increase in the SPI-pectin wall material concentration. A significant reduction in whiteness (L* value) from 91.12 to 53.52 was noted during storage for encapsulated samples. Mayonnaise formulations containing encapsulated HWO depicted significantly lower peroxide value (2.65 meqO₂/kg) after extended storage period in comparison to free oil (8.33 meqO₂/kg). FTIR analysis of mayonnaise formulations depicted successful complexation of HWO with SPI-MD-pectin matrix. These findings would be of immense importance in designing of Pickering emulsions stabilized by protein-polysaccharide particles with aim of delivering nutraceuticals associated with myriad health benefits.