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Published on: March 9, 2021
Ejected microcrystals probe jammed states of droplets in cyclodextrin-based emulsions
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China.
Cyclodextrin (CD)-based emulsions show instability. Ejection of CD inclusion complexes (ICs) microcrystals from droplet surfaces reveals droplet interactions and phase transitions, offering a new detection method.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Cyclodextrin (CD)-based emulsions exhibit complex instability, including flocculation and creaming.
- Characterizing droplet dispersion states in these emulsions presents a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the instability mechanisms of CD-based emulsions.
- To explore the relationship between interfacial microcrystal dynamics and emulsion stability.
- To establish a method for detecting droplet interactions and phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of CD-based emulsions using high-pressure homogenization with varying oil-water ratios and CD concentrations.
- Characterization of emulsion droplets via optical microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
- Evaluation of homogenization pressure effects, identification of armored droplets, and measurement of interfacial microcrystal concentrations.
Main Results:
- Identified ejection of oil/CD inclusion complexes (ICs) microcrystals from droplet surfaces.
- Observed sensitivity of droplet dispersion states to the dynamic buildup and morphology of interfacial microcrystals.
- Established correlations between ejected microcrystal properties and emulsion characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Ejection of ICs microcrystals is attributed to the consolidation and deformation of films between droplets.
- This ejection provides a straightforward method for detecting droplet-droplet interactions and phase transitions in CD-based emulsions.
- The observed phenomenon may be a general feature of creaming processes in emulsions.
