Pickering emulsions stabilized by moringa seed residue protein/tannic acid particles for curcumin loading: Enhanced retention and bioaccessibility

Pickering emulsions stabilized by moringa seed residue protein (MSRP) or MSRP-tannic acid (MSRP-TA) composites were employed to address the issues of curcumin's high environmental sensitivity and low bioaccessibility. By enhancing MSRP'S amphiphilicity and reducing its particle size, the MSRP-TA forms a dense interfacial layer, thereby improving emulsion stability and reducing curcumin photodegradation, synergized by the inherent antioxidant properties of TA. Specifically, the emulsions stabilized by MSRP-TA maintained a curcumin retention rate of over 90 % after 7 d of UV exposure. During <i>in vitro</i> digestion, the presence of TA facilitated the release of fatty acids and improved curcumin bioaccessibility, with the highest bioaccessibility reaching 72.60 ± 1.33 %. However, high proportions of TA could negatively affect curcumin bioaccessibility. The MSRP/TA ratio of 1:0.3 was optimal, balancing retention and bioaccessibility. Overall, this study provides a novel strategy for utilizing the by-product to stabilize Pickering emulsions, thereby enhancing the stability and bioaccessibility of curcumin.