Author(s):
Oliveira, Barbara Miqueletti de ; Colucci, Giovana ; Schreiner, Tatiana B. ; Preegel, Gert ; Silva, Lucimara Lopes da ; Santamaria-Echart, Arantzazu ; Barreiro, Filomena
Date: 2026
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10198/36379
Origin: Biblioteca Digital da UPB
Project/scholarship:
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/CIMO/UID/00690/2025/PT;
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/6817 - DCRRNI ID/LA/P/0007/2020/PT;
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT//UID/PRR/00690/2025/PT;
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/projetos financiados com o apoio do Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (POR Norte/Norte 2020)./2021.05215.BD/PT;
Subject(s): Lignin; Colloidal lignin particles; Quercetin; Pickering emulsions
Description
Lignin, the second-most-abundant polymer on Earth, has attracted attention for its value-added applications. Colloidal lignin particles can overcome handling and compatibility issues, offer antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV-protective properties, and serve as Pickering stabilizers. Plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids (e.g., quercetin), can further enhance lignin-based formulations. In this context, colloidal lignin–quercetin particles (CLQPs) were produced for the first time via antisolvent precipitation and used as Pickering emulsion stabilizers. CLQP dispersions (30 g/L) were prepared by solubilizing lignin and quercetin in 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone solution, followed by precipitation with a pH 8 buffer. A quercetin content of 50% (w/w) (CLQP-50) resulted in predominantly round-shaped lignin–quercetin particles (<1 µm) with a small fraction of quercetin crystals. Both structures contributed to emulsion stabilization, as evidenced by confocal microscopy, a three-phase contact angle of 91.6 ± 0.1°, and a zeta potential of −52.8 ± 2.7 mV. CLQP-50 successfully stabilized Pickering emulsions at a 60/40 oil/water ratio, showing high physical stability (stability index 0.01) and shear-thinning behavior with gel-like consistency. These findings demonstrate the pioneering development of lignin–quercetin hybrid colloidal particles as sustainable and functional Pickering stabilizers, opening new opportunities for advanced cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.