Fabrication and characterization of a cannabidiol-loaded emulsion stabilized by a whey protein-maltodextrin conjugate and rosmarinic acid complex

A cannabidiol (CBD)-loaded oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by a whey protein (WP)-malto dextrin (MD) conjugate and rosmarinic acid (RA) complex was fabri-cated, and its stability characteristics were investigated under various environmental conditions. The WP-MD conjugates were formed via dry-heating. The interac-tion between WP and MD was assessed by browning intensity, reduced amount of free amino groups, the for-mation of high molecular weight components in sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE, and changes in secondary struc-ture of whey proteins. The WP-MD-RA noncovalent complex was prepared and confirmed by fluorescence quenching and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra. Emulsions stabilized by WP, WP-MD, and WP-RA were used as references to evaluate the effect of WP-MD-RA as a novel emulsifier. Results showed that WP-MD-RA was an effective emulsifier to produce fine droplets for a CBD-loaded emulsion and remark-ably improved the pH and salt stabilities of emulsions in comparison with WP. An emulsion prepared with WP-MD-RA showed the highest protection of CBD against UV and heat-induced degradation among all emulsions. The ternary complex kept emulsions in small particle size during storage at 4 degrees C. Data from the current study may offer useful information for design-ing emulsion-based delivery systems which can protect active substance against environmental stresses.

Automated summary

A CBD-loaded oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by a whey protein-malto dextrin conjugate and rosmarinic acid complex was fabricated and its stability characteristics were investigated. WP-MD-RA showed improved emulsion stability and protection of CBD against degradation.