Unlocking stability and efficiency in benzyl isothiocyanate-loaded emulsions: Unveiling synergistic interactions of fish skin gelatin and pectin

Abstract

In this research endeavor, a novel emulsion delivery system was devised to enhance the retention of the fat-soluble active substance known as benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). Fish skin gelatin (FSG) and pectin (PEC) were chosen as complex emulsifiers and collectively referred to as FSG-PEC. The interaction between FSG and PEC was examined by turbidity, flourier transform infrared, fluorescence, ultraviolet, methylene blue, and molecular docking. Emulsification activity, emulsification stability, contact angle, appearance structure, average particle size, zeta potential, oil droplet distribution, and retention rate of the encapsulated BITC, were evaluated to determine the optimal concentration ratio of the FSG-PEC complex for effectively safeguarding BITC. The results showed that the turbidity of FSG and PEC was minimal at pH 7, indicating relative stability of the complex. The primary molecular forces between FSG and PEC were electrostatic and hydrogen bond interaction. The interfacial stability, emulsifying activity and stability of FSG-PEC complex at a 2:1 ratio surpassed those of other ratios. Consequently, this optimal ratio was utilized to prepare FSG-PEC emulsion delivery system containing BITC. The resulting emulsion, stored for 14 days at 4 °C, demonstrated compelling attributes with a particle size of 433.33 ± 1.12 nm, a potential of −32.87 ± 0.35 mV, and a BITC retention rate of 59.87 ± 0.65%. The combination of the indicators finally concluded that 2:1 was the optimal ratio to construct the FSG-PEC complex emulsion delivery system. This study constitutes an initial exploration of the interaction dynamics between FSG and PEC, providing a theoretical foundation for subsequent applications.