Protective effect of surfactant modified phytosterol oleogels on loaded curcumin

Abstract BACKGROUND Oleogels represent one of the most important carriers for the delivery of lipophilic nutraceuticals. Phytosterols (PS), plant‐derived natural sterol compounds, are preferred for oleogel preparation due to their self‐assembly properties and health function. However, the relationship between the physical properties of PS‐based oleogels and the chemical stability of loaded bioactive compounds is still unclear. RESULTS The influence of lecithin (LC) and glycerol monostearate (GMS) on the physical properties of PS‐based oleogels made of liquid coconut oil and the stability of curcumin as a model bioactive loaded in the oleogels was investigated. Results showed that the flow consistency index was much higher for GMS‐containing oleogels than that for LC‐containing oleogels. The optical microscopy and X‐ray scattering analysis showed that the addition of GMS in the PS oleogels promoted the formation of a crystal mixture with different crystal polymorph structures, whereas LC addition promoted the formation of needle‐like crystals of PS. Using curcumin as a model lipophilic nutraceutical, the GMS‐enriched PS oleogels with high crystallinity and flow consistency index exhibited a good retention ratio and scavenging activity of the loaded curcumin when stored at room temperature. CONCLUSION This study shows that enhancing the firmness of oleogels made from PS and liquid coconut oil is beneficial to the retention and chemical stability of a loaded bioactive (curcumin). The findings of the study will boost the development of PS‐based oleogel formulations for lipophilic nutraceutical delivery. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.