Chitosan-Based Composite Films Reinforced with Zein-Inulin-Thyme Essential Oil Pickering Emulsion for Enhanced Structural Integrity and Preservation Capacity.

ABSTRACT: Herein, zein-inulin-stabilized thyme essential oil (TEO) Pickering emulsions were prepared via ultrasonication. The addition of inulin (0.12-0.5%) enhanced emulsion stability and antibacterial activity, with particle sizes ranging from 73.7 to 789.8 nm. Chitosan (CS) composite films were then fabricated using different TEO loading methods. Films incorporating Pickering emulsions exhibited denser and smoother structures due to hydrogen bonding between the emulsion and chitosan matrix, while electrostatic interactions between zein and inulin enabled effective TEO encapsulation. Compared to the pure CS film, the Pickering emulsion active films exhibited improved thermal stability, with a maximum decomposition temperature of 260 °C, blocked up to 82.22% of UV light in the UVA region (320-400 n

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12896857 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature