Currently, the efficient co-encapsulation of different bioactives remains a challenge. To enhance the activity and stability of encapsulation systems and reduce energy consumption, this study employed pulsed ultrasonic treatment (PUT) to prepare a nanoliposome system and evaluated its effects by combining molecular simulation and experiments. Results showed that treatment with a 15/5 s pulse ratio for 9 min significantly improved the activity (38.25%) and co-encapsulation efficiency of β-carotene (βC) and maize peptide (MP) (66.75% and 60.38%), while reducing energy consumption by 25%. Molecular insights revealed that PUT induced structural relaxation of MP, thereby enhancing its binding with βC and liposomes (by 11.73%) and consequently improving co-encapsulation. This method also significantly enhanced the stability under high temperature, oxidation, and light. This research elucidated the molecular mechanism by which PUT promoted encapsulation, offering a promising approach for the efficient and low-energy co-encapsulation of bioactives, while also contributing to enhanced activity and stability. • Excellent encapsulation efficiency via pulse ultrasonic-prepared (PUT) nanoliposome. • It elevated the yield & activity (28.91% & 38.25%) via co-encapsulating MP & βC. • It enhanced 66.75% & 60.38% βC and MP co-loading capacity, saving 25% energy. • PUT-induced reduction (3.84%) of MP α-helix led to an 11.73% rise in MP/βC binding. • Superior stability of PUT nanoliposome despite high temperatures, oxidation & light.
Liu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.