Document details

Lignin–Quercetin Hybrid Colloidal Particles as Sustainable Pickering Emulsifiers: A Bio-Based and Functional Approach

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.

Document Type Journal article
Language English
Contributor(s) Biblioteca Digital da UPB
CC Licence
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