Cellulose ethers are usually used as secondary emulsifiers. Different types of commercial hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) have been used here as the main emulsifier of oil-in-water emulsions to probe their impact on the lipid digestibility under simulated intestinal conditions.

Highlights

• Cellulose ethers are able to delay in vitro lipolysis of emulsions.

• This inhibition is not affected by cellulose molecular weight or methyl content.

• Cellulose interfacial activity plays a key role on lipolysis of emulsified oil.

• Cellulose ethers resist displacement by bile salts from the oil–water interface.

• Their interfacial resistance is independent of molecular weight and methyl content.

The droplet size distribution and ζ-potential of the emulsions subjected to in-vitro lipolysis have been compared with that of control samples (non-digested). The lipolysis has been quantified over time by means of the pH-stat method. The displacement of HPMC from the oil–water interface by bile salts has been assessed by interfacial tension technique.

Keywords: dietary fiber; cellulose ethers; emulsion; interfacial tension; bile salts; lipid digestion

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