Incorporating surfactants within protein-polysaccharide hybrid particles for high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs): Toward plant-based mayonnaise

Abstract

Plant-based diets are currently gaining more popularity among healthily- and environmentally-conscious consumers. Herein, we reported a facile and mild method to fabricate high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) using plant-based ingredients that feature the physical and sensory of traditional egg-based mayonnaise through interfacial engineering. Protein-polysaccharide-surfactant ternary composite particles with appropriate dimension and moderate wettability were constructed by regulating the ratios among zein, corn fiber gum (CFG) and lecithin (Lc). The resultant Zein-CFG-Lc particles (ZCLPs) could function as not only particulate emulsifiers, sterically hindering the close approach of droplets, but also surfactants that decreased the interfacial tension through molecular rearrangement at the oil-water interface. HIPEs with a droplet size less than 3.0 μm (the threshold value of granular sensation by oral cavity) were successfully fabricated under a minimum ZCLPs concentration of 1.2%. The specific interfacial architecture was observed with the combination of zein particles, a CFG network and Lc-based membrane, which jointly contributed to conserve a high concentration of oil phase. HIPEs were determined with a lower tribological property compared to egg-based mayonnaise, endowing them with more creaminess and smoothness sensory attributes. In addition, HIPEs exhibited an extremely higher physical and thermal stability than the mayonnaise. In vitro digestion fate indicated that the digestible fat in HIPEs could arrive at a minimal value of one-twelfth of that in the mayonnaise as ZCLPs could effectively inhibit the lipid digestion of HIPEs in the small intestine, making it a low-calorie formulation. This study opens a promising pathway for producing edible HIPEs as replacers for egg-based mayonnaise appealing to calorie-sensitive consumers and plant-based diet lovers.