Stabilizing Emulsions with Pickering Emulsion Disc Particles: A Novel Approach

The quest for effective, health-promoting, and environmentally friendly stabilizers/emulsifiers has led to the discovery of Pickering particles (PPs). PPs are solid particles that absorb at the oil-water interface, creating a barrier to prevent coalescence and stabilize emulsions. These particles have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach emulsion stabilization.

In recent years, concerns about the effects of conventional emulsifiers on human health and the environment have grown. Emulsifiers like polysorbate 80 have been linked to various health issues, such as inflammation, skin rashes, and eye irritation, while also contaminating groundwater and posing environmental risks. In response, researchers have turned to Pickering particles as a sustainable alternative.

Pickering emulsions exhibit higher stability and biodegradability compared to conventional emulsions. The morphology of these particles influences emulsion stability, making them ideal for various applications. By-products from different food industries, such as cereal and dairy, can be used to prepare Pickering particles, offering a novel use case.

The processing of foods generates significant amounts of waste and by-products, which are often rich in bioactive components like antioxidants, antimicrobial substances, polysaccharides, proteins, and minerals. By utilizing these by-products as materials for Pickering particle preparation, we can reduce waste and create more sustainable emulsion stabilization methods.

In contrast to conventional emulsifiers, Pickering particles do not alter the surface tension between phases, instead relying on steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion to stabilize emulsions. This approach eliminates the need for emulsifiers that can cause health issues or environmental concerns.

The potential applications of Pickering emulsion disc particles are vast, spanning industries such as cosmetics, personal care, foods, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. As consumers become increasingly aware of the impact of emulsifiers on their health and the environment, the demand for safer and more sustainable alternatives will continue to grow.

In conclusion, Pickering particles offer a promising solution for stabilizing emulsions in various fields. By leveraging by-products from different food industries as materials for Pickering particle preparation, we can create more effective, health-promoting, and environmentally friendly emulsion stabilization methods that benefit both human health and the environment.