Evaluation of non-covalent ternary aggregates of lactoferrin, high methylated pectin, EGCG in stabilizing β-carotene emulsions.

The present study explored the potential of ternary aggregates composed of lactoferrin (LF), high methylated pectin (HMP) and EGCG in stabilizing β-carotene emulsions. Different ternary aggregates were fabricated by mixing the three components in different sequences, followed by spray drying. Fluorescence measurement and FTIR analysis indicated that ternary aggregates and LF-HMP binary complex were formed mainly through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The mixing sequences of three components and the spray drying process resulted in different structures of ternary aggregates. When applied to stabilizing β-carotene emulsions, ternary aggregates were effective in retarding droplet aggregation and creaming, and protecting β-carotene from degradation, compared to the binary complexes of LF, HMP or EGCG. The least loss of β-carotene was observed in the emulsions stabilized by spray-dried ternary aggregates. The conclusion obtained from the present study would be useful in the development of novel delivery systems for bioactive compounds.