Development of an amorphous octenyl succinate anhydride starch-based emulsion to improve the stability and bioaccessibility of phloretin

Phloretin (PHT) is a natural functional compound with antioxidant properties. However, its poor water solubility and high sensitivity to extreme pH environments, oxygen, and high temperatures limit its absorption and stability. Therefore, in this study, amorphous octenyl succinic anhydride starch (AOS) was employed to enhance the stability of PHT-loaded emulsions, and characteristics of these emulsions were evaluated. In total, three AOS samples with varying degrees of amorphous were prepared as emulsifiers. Notably, amorphous starch prepared at 90 degrees C was found to stabilize the emulsion by forming a superior gel network structure, facilitating the efficient loading of PHT and protecting this compound from degradation in extreme environments. Finally, in vitro digestion and release experiments confirmed the effectiveness of these emulsions in PHT delivery. Compared to the existing (3-cyclodextrin-PHT drug delivery system, the prepared emulsion exhibited superior PHT release at the site of intestinal absorption. Therefore, the emulsions established in this study show promise as PHT delivery systems for future applications in the food industry.