Application of a Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Zein and Cellulose Nanocrystalline Composite Particles to Preserve Kiwifruit.

Abstract

This study involved developing a Pickering emulsion system based on a composite material comprising zein colloidal particles (ZCPs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with the aim of exploring its potential application in fruit preservation by loading carvacrol (CAR). The system (CAR@ZCPE) consists of ZCP particles with an average size of approximately 317 nm in a composite with CNC particles of approximately 85 nm at an optimal mass ratio (ZCP/CNC = 1:3) to form stable particles encapsulating CAR. The results indicate that CAR@ZCPE is an O/W Pickering emulsion that can be diluted indefinitely in water and exhibits excellent environmental stability. Rheological analysis revealed that it exhibits shear-thinning properties and a gel-like network structure, which explains its good stability. Bioactivity evaluation revealed that CAR@ZCPE exhibited inhibitory activity against <i>Botryosphaeria dothidea</i>, with an inhibition rate of 63.60% at a concentration of 50 mg/L. Kiwifruit preservation experiments confirmed that CAR@ZCPE significantly reduced the degree of kiwifruit decay, and cell activity evaluations confirmed its biosafety. The total apoptotic rate of LO2 cells was 2.10%, indicating that the emulsion did not affect the cell growth cycle. This study successfully developed a CAR Pickering emulsion stabilized by ZCP-CNC composite particles. This emulsion system combines high stability, excellent antibacterial activity, and excellent biocompatibility. Kiwifruit preservation experiments validated its potential as a safe and efficient new preservative, providing an innovative method for preserving fruits using ZCP-CNC-composite-stabilized Pickering emulsions.