Construction of highly stable Pickering emulsion systems based on konjac glucomannan and xanthan gum/lysozyme nanoparticles under pasteurization.

Pasteurization, as a meaningful part of food processing, has received growing attention for regulating Pickering emulsion stability. In this research, the role of pasteurization and konjac glucomannan (KGM) in the modulation of Pickering emulsion properties was investigated. The results showed that the network structure formed by KGM inhibited the agglomeration of droplets due to pasteurization, which improved the heat stability of the Pickering emulsion. Increasing the concentration of KGM improved the densification of its network structure, as evidenced by the enhanced viscoelasticity of the emulsion after pasteurization. The retention rate of β-carotene encapsulated in the Pickering emulsion could reach 99% after pasteurization at 65 °C for 30 min. Moreover, pasteurization further enhanced the inhibitory effect of KGM on free fatty acid release and implemented a manageable release of β-carotene. This research offers theoretical guidance for the construction of highly stable Pickering emulsions for delivering temperature-sensitive hydrophobic ingredients.