Encapsulation of Black Rice Bran Extract in a Stable Nanoemulsion: Effects of Thermal Treatment, Storage Conditions, and In Vitro Digestion

Abstract

This study aimed to improve the dispersibility of phenolic compounds from black rice bran through the encapsulation process within nanoemulsion. The study focused on assessing the stability of the nanoemulsions, which were prepared using a combination of surfactants with distinct hydrophilic−lipophilic balance (HLB) values and sunflower oil under different thermal treatments and storage conditions. The study revealed a significant correlation between the mixed surfactant HLB value and the nanoemulsions properties, including average particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and ζ-potential. Specifically, an increase in the HLB value was associated with a decrease in the initial average particle size. The encapsulated polyphenols exhibited remarkable stability over a storage period of up to 30 days at different temperatures with no significant changes observed in particle size or PDI. The study also investigated the impact of different ionic strengths (0.2, 0.5, and 1.00 mol L −1 NaCl) on the physical stability and antioxidant black rice bran extract nanoemulsion, and the results revealed that adding NaCl influenced the particle size and surface charge of the nanoemulsions. Total phenolic content and DPPH results demonstrated a significant impact of salt concentration on antioxidant properties, with varying trends observed among the HLB formulations. Furthermore, the behavior of the encapsulated extracts during digestion was examined, and their antioxidant activity was evaluated.