Formulation and stabilization of high internal phase emulsions via mechanical cellulose nanofibrils/ethyl lauroyl arginate complexes

Motivated by the quest for biocompatibility, we report on oil-in-water (O/W), high-internal-phase Pickering emulsions stabilized via complexes of mechanical cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and food-grade cationic surfactant ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE). The complexation of oppositely charged CNF and LAE can be held together by electrostatic interaction. Their effect on suspensions electrostatic stabilization, heteroaggregation state, and emulsifying ability was studied and related to properties of resultant interfacial tension between oil and water and 3D printing of emulsions. The Pickering system with adjustable droplet diameter and stability against creaming and oiling-off during storage was achieved resting with LAE loading. Complexes formed by LAE adjustment act as Pickering stabilizers and three-dimensional networks in emulsion system, forming a scaffold with elastoplastic rheological properties that flows above critical stress while, without any additional treatment, exhibiting the required self-standing properties for 3D printing. By understanding the properties of CNF/LAE behavior in bulk and on interfaces, printing edible functional foods of CNF/LAE-based emulgel inks has been demonstrated to enable regulation of oil release.