In order to improve the ability of solid zein particles to stabilize Pickering emulsions, octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified starch was used to modify zein. Zein-OSA starch composite particles were prepared by solvent-antisolvent precipitation method. The interaction between zein and OSA starch and the size and structure of the composite particles were studied, and the effects of the mass ratio of zein to OSA starch on the particle size distribution, storage stability, pH stability and rheological properties of Pickering emulsion stabilized with the composite particles were explored. The results showed that OSA starch could modify zein through non-covalent interactions including electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction, changing the secondary structure of zein and improving its hydrophilicity. The composite particles with zein to OSA starch ratio of 1:3 had the smallest average particle size (163.3 nm) and PDI (0.177), and its contact angle was 87.4°, which indicated that the particles had nearly neutral wettability and were more suitable for stabilizing Pickering emulsions. Meanwhile, Pickering emulsions stabilized by the composite particles had the smallest particle size distribution and the highest storage modulus, loss modulus and apparent viscosity, indicating that OSA starch modification could regulate the interfacial properties of zein composite particles and consequently of Pickering emulsions. The above studies show that the interfacial modification of zein can improve the stability of its solid particles and consequently of Pickering emulsions. This study provides theoretical support for further expanding the comprehensive utilization of zein in emulsion systems.

Chitosan, a natural linear cationic polysaccharide, can be used to design ‘green’ microparticles or nanoparticles to stabilize Pickering emulsions due to its good biodegradability and renewability. Therefore, it has found widespread food application prospect. Although chitosan has weak emulsifying ability, the active functional groups in its molecule can combine with other compounds through covalent or non-covalent interactions to form binary/ternary composite particles, which can improve its ability to stabilize emulsions. Environmentally responsive emulsions have recently become a popular research topic due to their ability to respond to different environmental stresses (pH and temperature). This paper summarizes recent progress in research on chitosan-based Pickering emulsions with respect to the types of chitosan-stabilized Pickering emulsions, graft-modified chitosan composite particle-stabilized Pickering emulsions and environmentally responsive emulsions, and it discusses the application of chitosan-based Pickering emulsions in food preservation, 3D food printing and functional factor carriers, as well as the obstacles encountered. Future prospects for the development of chitosan-based Pickering emulsions are proposed to provide a basis for the in-depth expansion of their applications in food.