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Developing High-Coloring Natural Systems Using Double Emulsions with Daucus carota L. Extract to Meet High-Performance Requirements

Publication . Teixeira, Liandra Gracher; Silva, Samara Cristina; Colucci, Giovana; Santamaria-Echart, Arantzazu; Peres, António M.; Dias, Madalena M.; Barreiro, M.F.

Daucus carota L. extract is attracting interest as a natural colorant alternative. However, the presence of anthocyanins (ACNs), which are sensitive to pH changes, limits its application. To tackle this issue, water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) double emulsions are emerging as innovative solutions. Nevertheless, the problem of reaching robust colorant systems for industrial use still needs to be overcome. One important target is to reach a high coloring power, minimizing its impact on the final product. In this context, the effect of colorant concentration and the volume of the primary emulsion, two routes to increase the colorant power, on color attributes and stability, an important feature to reach a marketable product, was studied. The optimal experimental design was conducted to two optimal solutions, whether through heightened colorant concentration or primary emulsion volume: a 41/59 (W1/O)/W2 ratio with 11 wt.% colorant, and a 48/52 (W1/O)/W2 ratio with 6 wt.% colorant, respectively. A subsequent assessment of color and physical emulsion stability over 30 days pointed out the solution with the lower colorant concentration (6 wt.%) as the one with better performance (L*: 44.11 ± 0.03, a*: 25.79 ± 0.01, D4;3: 9.62 ± 0.1 μm, and CI: 14.55 ± 0.99%), also minimizing the permeability of the colorant to the outer aqueous phase. Overall, these optimized emulsions offer versatile coloring solutions suitable for various industrial applications, such as food matrices and functional cosmetics.

2024Journal article

Open access

Modulation of physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Pickering emulsions using colloidal lignin particles based on kraft softwood and hardwood acetone fractions

Publication . Colucci, Giovana; Gigli, Matteo; Sgarzi, Massimo; Rodrigues, Alírio; Crestini, Claudia; Barreiro, M.F.

Colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) emerge as a sustainable alternative to traditional, fossil-based emulsion stabilizers. However, effectively outperforming the conventional ingredients requires addressing the challenges posed by lignin heterogeneity and structural complexity. In this study, one-step acetone fractionation was applied to softwood and hardwood kraft lignins to tackle the issue. The resulting soluble (AS) and insoluble (AI) fractions, along with the pristine lignins, underwent thorough characterization and were used to create CLPs through the hydrotropic precipitation. The acetone fraction-derived CLPs were tested for the first time as Pickering stabilizers. Notably, a strong correlation emerged between the structural traits of each lignin sample and the properties of the resulting Pickering emulsions. Such correlation allowed for a fine-tuning of their physicochemical and antioxidant features. The AS fractions, characterized by higher phenolic OH content and lower molecular weight, led to CLPs with larger sizes and reduced hydrophilic character compared to those derived from AI- and pristine lignins. The fraction-derived CLPs exhibited superior emulsifying capacity and imparted long-term stability to the formed emulsions. Moreover, the resulting Pickering emulsions showed high potential as antioxidant agents, proving their ability as multifunctional systems. Overall, this work demonstrates how the unique properties of lignin can be selectively enhanced through acetone fractionation method and seamlessly transferred to Pickering emulsions. This advancement promotes the use of lignin in high-value-added sectors such as cosmetics and personal care.

2024Journal article

Open access