Hydrophobic-modified starch complexes have the potential to form Pickering emulsions and improve the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil. Here, V-type starch–lauric acid complexes (SLACs) were fabricated via solid encapsulation within 0.5–12 h and applied in flaxseed oil Pickering emulsions. Complexing index, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses confirmed that the degree of complexation increased with the reaction time. Pickering emulsion gels stabilised by SLACs generated with reaction times of 6 h and 12 h exhibited good storage stability and high yield stress, G' values and apparent viscosity. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and cryo-scanning electron microscopy revealed a gelation mechanism involving increased interface roughness and enhanced droplet–droplet interaction. In comparison to pure flaxseed oil, higher thermo-oxidative resistance was observed at 130 °C, with a markedly longer oxidation induction for emulsions and emulsion gels stabilised by SLACs. Our findings could assist in the design of hydrophobic-modified starch and provide a new paradigm for delaying oil oxidation.
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