Work

Pickering Emulsion Interfacial Architecture and Performance Tuned by Zein–Tannic Acid Particle Preparation and Emulsification

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, we investigated how the formation and properties of Pickering emulsions (PEs) stabilized by zein/tannic acid particles (ZTAPs) are impacted by the method used to generate the particles, before or during emulsification. ZTAPs were obtained through two antisolvent precipitation methods (sequential and co-precipitation) across zein/tannic acid molar ratio (R) range of 1/0 to 1/30. Emulsions were prepared using four methods, either with pre-formed ZTAPs or by mixing zein and tannic acid immediately before or during emulsification. The results indicated that pre-forming the particles prior to emulsification is crucial for controlling droplet size and homogeneity, while the quantity of tannic acid plays a supporting role. Tannic acid is not only critical for emulsion stabilization but also imparts its antioxidant activity to the emulsions. This activity is also controlled by the molar ratio R of the particles and the preparation protocol. ZTAPs are promising plant-based stabilizers for emulsions in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These findings provide a better understanding of the importance of their method of production in controlling the characteristics (droplet size, stability, and antioxidant properties) of the emulsions they stabilize.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16094399