Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Towards Biomimicking Wood: Fabricated Free-standing Films of Nanocellulose, Lignin, and a Synthetic Polycation
Published on: June 17, 2014
Adsorption and interfacial structure of nanocelluloses at fluid interfaces
Pascal Bertsch1, Peter Fischer1
1Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH, Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
Cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils (NCs) stabilize oil-water interfaces, forming Pickering emulsions. Modifications enable foam stabilization, but adsorption mechanisms require further understanding.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Nanocelluloses (NCs) are sustainable materials for Pickering emulsion stabilization.
- Unmodified NCs do not stabilize foams, necessitating surface modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding NC adsorption mechanisms at fluid interfaces.
- To differentiate stabilization strategies for unmodified, covalently modified, and surfactant-enhanced NCs.
Main Methods:
- Review of adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and energetic aspects.
- Analysis of interfacial structure, surface coverage, and contact angle.
- Distinction between different NC modification approaches.
Main Results:
- NC adsorption drives Pickering emulsion formation.
- Hydrophobized NCs stabilize foams and complex emulsions.
- Understanding of NC adsorption mechanisms is evolving.
Conclusions:
- NCs offer versatile interfacial stabilization for emulsions and foams.
- Surface modification is key to expanding NC applications.
- Further research clarifies NC adsorption dynamics and interfacial behavior.
More Related Videos
09:32Fabrication of a Crystalline Nanocellulose Embedded Agarose Biomaterial Ink for Bone Marrow-Derived Mast Cell Culture
Published on: May 11, 2021
11:32Highly Stable, Functional Hairy Nanoparticles and Biopolymers from Wood Fibers: Towards Sustainable Nanotechnology
Published on: July 20, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Adhesion
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow...
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the...
Theories of Dissolution: The Danckwerts' Model and Interfacial Barrier Model
Cell Adhesion in Plants
Pectins are complex heteropolymers mainly composed of negatively-charged α-D-glucopyranosyl uronic acid and some neutral glycosyl residues such as α-L-rhamnopyranose, α-L-arabinofuranose,...