Core Technical Challenges Of DHA Algal Oil II
May 14, 2026
1. Conventional Oil-in-Water (O/W) Emulsions
2. Pickering Emulsions: A New Physically Stabilized Technology
3. Multiple Emulsions & Microencapsulation
For products requiring harsh processing (e.g., UHT, spray drying) or long-term storage, microencapsulation is an advanced solution.
Multiple Emulsion Construction
W/O/W double emulsions can be prepared using rice bran albumin and locust bean gum as wall materials, via high-speed dispersion (12,000 r/min) and high-pressure homogenization (40 MPa).The optimal ratio of primary emulsion to aqueous phase is 3:7.
Spray-Dried Microcapsules
When the formula ratio is: protein 0.6%, locust bean gum 0.4%, DHA algal oil 1.5%, pH 7.0,the microcapsules show significantly improved storage stability and bioavailability.
Technological Breakthrough
A new-generation DHA microencapsulation technology reported in China in 2025:
Established a quantitative flavor evaluation model
Optimized wall material system
Algal oil loading > 2 times higher than traditional methods
Resists high-pressure homogenization and UHT sterilization
Enables 5× conventional loading in cheese while maintaining stability.
Industrial Application Scenarios & Solutions
|
Application Scene |
Recommended Emulsion Technology |
Technical Points & Solutions |
|
Liquid milk & beverages |
Conventional O/W / Pickering emulsions |
• Ensure fine, uniform droplets via homogenization• Optimize sterilization (e.g., UHT) considering thermal stability• At 5 mg/100g addition, DHA retention > 70% after 2 months |
|
Yogurt & cheese |
Microencapsulation / Liposomes |
• 2025 microencapsulation solves acidic stability & off-flavor• Ambient-stable DHA liposomes for high loading in cheese without fishy odor |
|
Infant formula |
Microencapsulation / Pickering emulsions |
• Microencapsulation masks odor for dry/wet processing• Pickering emulsions mimic fat globules to improve fat absorption |
|
Fortifiers & reconstitutable products |
Microencapsulation / Emulsions |
• Spray-dried microcapsules: good flowability, storage stability, rapid rehydration• Liquid emulsions for direct use in liquid end products |
Technical Difficulties & Cutting-Edge Countermeasures
1. Oxidative Stability Control
Solutions: Use antioxidant wall materials (e.g., g WPI-COS complexes).Add lipophilic antioxidants in the oil phase.Remove dissolved oxygen before homogenization; use light-proof, nitrogen-filled packaging.
2. Improved Processing Tolerance
Solutions: Pickering and multiple emulsions provide stronger physical barriers.The 2025 new microencapsulation technology resists high-pressure homogenization and UHT, enabling high-dose addition in milk, yogurt, etc.
3. Bioavailability & Targeted Release
Solutions: Interface engineering is key.Precisely designing the interfacial composition of Pickering emulsions (e.g., g WPI-COS) controls gastrointestinal digestion behavior, allowing efficient DHA release in the intestine and avoiding premature breakdown in the stomach.