Interfacial reorganization and functional enhancement of nanoemulsions co-loaded with ginsenoside and non-ginsenoside extracts

Nanoemulsions were prepared with a ginsenoside-rich extract (GE), a non-ginsenoside extract (NGE), and their combination to investigate how heterogeneous components influence droplet interfacial properties. All formulations produced nanoscale droplets. TEM revealed compositional differences in morphology, with NGE-containing formulations exhibiting more irregular structures. FALT analysis showed that both GE and NGE increased interfacial layer thickness compared with blank formulations, with NGE producing a greater effect, while the combined GE/NGE nanoemulsion exhibited reduced thickness, suggesting interfacial restructuring. Encapsulation efficiency depended on ginsenoside aglycone type, with PPD-type compounds showing higher incorporation than PPT-type. NGE-containing systems demonstrated improved freeze–thaw and storage stability. During simulated digestion, GE/NGE nanoemulsions exhibited the greatest lipid hydrolysis extent, consistent with altered interfacial organization. Cellular uptake assays showed selective permeability of Rb1 and Rg1, with GE/NGE achieving the highest Rb1 transport and modest downregulation of inflammatory markers. Overall, co-encapsulation modulates interfacial architecture, thereby influencing functional performance.