Abstract:[Objective] The present study prepared the Auricularia auricula protein-polysaccharide complex (APPC) with Auricularia auricula as the raw material and then prepared and characterized resveratrol-loaded Pickering emulsions based on APPC, aiming to investigate the stability and functioning mechanisms of resveratrol-loaded Pickering emulsions based on APPC. [Method] APPC was obtained via the water extraction and alcohol precipitation method, and its composition and structure were systematically analyzed. Furthermore, resveratrol-loaded Pickering emulsions were fabricated. The stability and functioning mechanisms of the emulsions were investigated based on the Zeta potential, three-phase contact angle, rheological properties, and particle size distribution. [Result] APPC possessed a unique sphere-chain structure with high interfacial stability. The resveratrol-loaded Pickering emulsions based on APPC exhibited a stable 3D network structure formed by proteins and polysaccharides. Therefore, the emulsions showed a synergistic stabilization mechanism of enhanced interfacial film and steric hindrance, with favorable pH stability, thermal stability, and storage stability. [Conclusion] APPC stabilizes Pickering emulsions through interfacial film reinforcement and steric hindrance effects. This study can provide a reference for the development and application of polysaccharide-based Pickering emulsions as stabilizers.
