Abstract:In this paper, ultrasonic modified soy protein was used as emulsifier and gel matrix to prepare soy protein emulsion gel induced by glucono-δ-lactone (GDL), and the effects of ultrasonic treatment on the emulsion and emulsion gel properties of soy protein and the transport properties of quercetin were investigated. Through the analysis of intermolecular interaction and texture properties of emulsion gel, the optimized ultrasonic conditions were determined, which were ultrasonic power 400 W, temperature 55 °C, and time 30 min. The test results showed that the ultrasonic modification destroys the hydrophobic interaction inside the protein, exposes the hydrophobic groups, and increases the charged groups, led to a decrease in the average particle size of the emulsion, an increase in the absolute value of the Zeta-potential, an increase in the interface protein content, and a decrease in the apparent viscosity. After the ultrasonic modification treatment, the final G'value of the soy protein emulsion gel increases, and the degree of gelation gradually increases, forming a gel material that is closer to elastic properties; the relaxation time in low-field NMR decreased, the peak ratio distribution changes, the hydration characteristics of the emulsion gel increase, and the ability of the dense gel structure to bind water molecules is enhanced. At the same time, microscopic observations showed that the modified soybean protein emulsion gel had a more uniform porous structure, and the oil droplets were better embedded in the network structure of the gel. In addition, ultrasonic treatment improved the transport properties of soy protein emulsion gels. The experimental results showed that the encapsulation rate, bioavailability and lipolysis rate of ultrasonically modified soy protein quercetin emulsion gels were significantly improved. The ultrasonic modification treatment has laid a theoretical foundation for the development of a protein emulsion gel delivery system with excellent performance.