This study examined the rheological properties, interfacial characteristics, particle size, zeta potential, Turbiscan stability index (TSI), morphology, and encapsulation efficiency of curcumin (Cur) loaded fish gelatin (FG) emulsions modified with γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA). The results showed that adding γ-PGA significantly increased curcumin encapsulation efficiency. At 0.3 mg/mL, FG emulsions had an encapsulation efficiency of 80.14 %, while FG-γ-PGA emulsions reached 90.35 %. The FG-γ-PGA emulsions also showed enhanced stability and resistance to phase separation, remaining stable for seven days, compared to three days for FG emulsions. After 24 h, the TSI of FG emulsions with 0.6 mg/mL Cur was 2.46, significantly higher than the 0.55 TSI for FG-γ-PGA emulsions at the same concentration. FG-γ-PGA emulsions had smaller droplet sizes, and analysis of interfacial characteristics, particle size, and zeta potential indicated better system stability than FG emulsions. These improved properties of FG-γ-PGA emulsions highlight their potential as efficient carriers for curcumin. Overall, the favorable characteristics of FG-γ-PGA emulsions suggest promising applications in the food industry, especially for developing functional foods with extended shelf life and enhanced nutritional benefits.
Keywords: Curcumin; Emulsion; Encapsulation efficiency; Fish gelatin; γ-Polyglutamic acid.
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