Emulsification of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharide conjugate and its inhibition on epigallocatechin (EGC) oxidation

The oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were prepared from Scutellaria baicalensis polysaccharide conjugates (SBPC) as an emulsifier and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). Effects of pH, metal ions and heat treatment on the emulsion stability were investigated. Compared to that of 0.20. 1.00 wt% SBPC and 2.00 wt% GA, 2.00 wt% and 3.00 wt% SBPC stabilized emulsion droplets had a smaller particle size and were more stable during 10-day storage at 25 degrees C. The average particle sizes (d(32)) of emulsions containing metal ions varied from 4.54 to 6.62 mu m (0.100-0.500 mol/L Na+), from 2.63 to 3.86 mu m (0.010-0.050 mol/L Ca2+), and from 2.66 to 7.89 mu m (0.001-0.030 mol/L Al3+), as well as the zeta potential varying from 17.63 to 19.67 mV (Na+), from 16.50 to 18.13 mV (Ca2+) and from 15.02 to 18.56 mV (Al3+). SBPC emulsion possessed stability under pH 3.0-7.0 and thermal treatment at 70-100 degrees C during the 10-day storage period. Furthermore, SBPC emulsion inhibited oxidative polymerization of EGC. The average retention rate of EGC was 88.28% on the 10th day. This research provides a new way for development and application of SBPC as an emulsifier.

Automated summary

The O/W emulsions prepared using SBPC as an emulsifier showed smaller particle size and increased stability compared to emulsions with other emulsifiers. The emulsions exhibited tolerance to metal ions and thermal treatment, and also demonstrated antioxidant properties by inhibiting the polymerization of EGC, with an average retention rate of 88.28% on the 10th day. This research provides insights into the potential use of SBPC as an emulsifier in various applications.