This study conducted a thorough investigation into the impact of two
emulsification techniques, namely high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and
microfluidization (MF), on the emulsification of krill oil. The
comprehensive analysis encompassed various aspects, including particle
size characterization, structural assessment, oxidative stability
evaluation during storage, measurement of bioaccessibility, and in vitro
simulated digestion analysis. Emulsions produced through MF exhibited
several noteworthy advantages over those generated by HPH. Most
prominently, MF-prepared emulsions featured smaller and more uniformly
distributed particles, in stark contrast to the less uniform particles
generated by HPH. Moreover, MF-based emulsions demonstrated
significantly enhanced oxidative stability during storage, with
astaxanthin degradation occurring at a substantially lower rate (38.11%
for HPH compared to 89.44% for MF). When assessing emulsion behavior
during in vitro simulated digestion, microfluidization formulations
exhibited superior stability and markedly higher bioaccessibility in
comparison to their HPH counterparts. Of particular significance was the
remarkable increase in the release of free fatty acids observed during
the intestinal phase of digestion in MF emulsions, indicating an
improved lipid digestion process. This study firmly establishes
microfluidization as the superior method for crafting emulsions of krill
oil, especially within the context of the food industry.
Microfluidization not only ensures the preservation of oil quality
during storage but also significantly enhances emulsion stability and
promotes improved digestibility. These findings hold substantial promise
for the development of delivery systems for n-3 fatty acids, making them
suitable for incorporation into a wide range of commercial food,
beverage, and pharmaceutical products.