Abstract: In this study, a water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) multiple emulsion stabilized by dextran-ferritin-resveratrol (Dex-rHuHF-Res) nanoparticles was prepared by a two-step emulsification method. Its stability and potential for the delivery of bioactive substances were analyzed. The results showed that when the concentration of polyglycerol ricinoleate (PGPR) was 7% (V/V), the ratio of aqueous phase (W1) to oil phase (O) was 3:7, and the ratio of W1/O to outer aqueous phase (W2) was 4:6, the emulsion had homogeneous appearance, uniform droplet size distribution, the smallest particle size (472 nm), and the highest apparent viscosity and storage modulus (G’). At pH 7, 100 mmol/L NaCl concentration and low centrifugal force, the emulsion maintained good stability. In unfavorable environment, compared with free chlorogenic acid, astaxanthin and resveratrol, the retention rates of chlorogenic acid, astaxanthin and resveratrol loaded in the multiple emulsion were significantly improved (P < 0.05). The bioaccessibilities of chlorogenic acid, astaxanthin, and resveratrol loaded in the W1/O/W2 emulsion were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the antioxidant property of the emulsion was obviously enhanced (P < 0.05). This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of the W1/O/W2 emulsion stabilized by Dex-rHuHF-Res nanoparticles in the delivery of active substances.

Key words: dextran; ferritin; multiple emulsions; bioactive substances; antioxidant activity