Shorter Chitin Nanofibrils Enhance Pickering Emulsion Stability: Role of Length and Interfacial Network.

ABSTRACT: The structure-property relationship of chitin nanofibrils (NCh) with tailored lengths (L-, M-, S-NCh) and their efficacy in stabilizing Pickering emulsions were systematically investigated. The nanofibrils, produced via high-pressure homogenization and ultrasonication (20 or 60 min), were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Emulsion stability was predominantly governed by nanofibril length and concentration, with S-NCh (shortest) exhibiting superior performance, as evidenced by its minimal creaming index, smallest droplet size (1.18 μm at 0.5%), and homogeneous microstructure observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). A critical stabilizer concentration of 0.05% was identified, below which instability occurred due to insufficient interfacial coverage. Rheol

SUBMITTER: Yang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12785728 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature