Structured Emulgels by Interfacial Assembly of Terpenes and Nanochitin
Year: 2023
Journal: ACS Nano, Volume 17, 2023-12-26
Authors: Niu, Xun; Wan, Zhangmin; Mhatre, Sameer E.; Ye, Yuhang; Lu, Yi; Gao, Guang; Bai, Long; Rojas, Orlando J.
Interfacial assemblies formed by colloidal complexation are effective in multiphase stabilization, as shown in structured liquids and Pickering emulgels. Herein, we demonstrate a type of biobased colloidal system that spontaneously stabilizes an organic phase in a continuous hydrogel phase. Specifically, a triterpene extracted from bark (betulin, BE) is added to an organic phase containing a coniferous resin (rosin acid, a diterpene). BE is shown to take part in strong noncovalent interactions with the nanochitin dispersed in the aqueous (hydrogel) phase, leading to a complex of high interfacial activity. The viscoelastic response of the system is rationalized by the presence of a superstable structured dual network. When used as a templating material, the emulgel develops into structured liquids and cryogels. The herein introduced all-biobased type of nanoparticle surfactant system forms a gel (“emulsion-filled” with “aggregated droplets”) that features the functional benefits of both betulin and nanochitin.
