Catechyl lignin enhances self-assembly for Pickering emulsion stabilization and controlled-release application

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Colloid and Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Lignin structure influences lignin nanoparticle (LNP) self-assembly and properties.
• Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) are promising for various applications, including emulsion stabilization and drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the self-assembly of distinct lignin oligomers into LNPs.
• To utilize these LNPs for stabilizing Pickering emulsions.
• To apply LNP-stabilized emulsions for curcumin encapsulation and controlled release.

Main Methods:

• Extraction and fractionation of lignin oligomers from biomass.
• Self-assembly of lignin oligomers into LNPs.
• Characterization of LNP structure and properties.
• Stabilization of Pickering emulsions using LNPs.
• Encapsulation and release studies of curcumin.

Main Results:

• Castor seed coat-derived lignin oligomers with catechyl units and phenolic hydroxyl groups efficiently self-assembled into uniform LNPs.
• These LNPs exhibited high hydrophilicity and negative surface charge.
• The uniform LNPs stabilized Pickering emulsions with small vacuoles, showing high stability for over 15 days.
• LNP-stabilized emulsions enhanced curcumin storage and controlled its release.

Conclusions:

• Lignin structure is crucial for LNP formation and function.
• Uniform, functionalized LNPs can be derived from biomass.
• LNP-stabilized Pickering emulsions offer a stable platform for drug delivery applications.
• This approach enhances curcumin utilization efficiency and has potential economic and environmental benefits.