Evaluating the role of glycyrrhizic acid on the dynamic stabilization mechanism of the emulsion prepared by α-Lactalbumin: Experimental and silico approaches

The role of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on the dynamic stabilization mechanism of the α-Lactalbumin (α-La) emulsion was evaluated in this study. Smaller particle size and higher zeta potential value were observed in the α-La/GA emulsion as compared to the α-La emulsion. Ultra-high-resolution microscopy revealed that the interfacial film formed around oil droplets by α-La/GA complex was thicker compared to that of either α-La or GA. The appearance of a new peak at 1679 cm-1 in FTIR of the α-La/GA emulsion attributed to the stretching vibration of CO, providing evidence of the formation of a stable emulsion system. The results from dynamic molecular simulation showed GA induced the formation of an interfacial adsorption layer at the oil-water interface, reducing the migration ability of GA. The findings indicate that the presence of GA in the α-La emulsion effectively enhances its stability, highlighting its potential as a valuable emulsifying agent for various industrial applications.