In order to fully utilize pomfret resources and achieve the steady delivery of astaxanthin, Pampus argenteus protein was extracted via isoelectric precipitation. Furthermore, Pampus argenteus protein/chitosan composite particles were prepared by electrostatic interaction to improve the emulsifying property of fish protein. The stability and astaxanthin delivery capacity of this emulsion were investigated. The results show that the hydrophobicity of Pampus argenteus protein was significantly improved by chitosan. The water contact angle of composite particles reached 84.10°, and the composite particles had better emulsifying activity and stability. The emulsion fabricated using the composite particles remained stable after 14 days of storage. In vitro simulated digestion showed that the free fatty acid release rate and astaxanthin bioaccessibility of the emulsion stabilized by Pampus argenteus protein/chitosan composite particles were the highest, reaching 38.53% and 36.05%, respectively. Compared with the emulsion stabilized by Pampus argenteus protein, the emulsion stabilized by Pampus argenteus protein/chitosan composite particles promoted lipid digestion and astaxanthin delivery. This shows that the emulsion stabilized by Pampus argenteus protein/chitosan composite particles was an excellent delivery system for functional factors. This study provides an experimental basis for the high-value utilization of pomfret resources and highly efficient transport of astaxanthin, which is beneficial for making full use of marine biological resources.
