Microgels assembled from bio-based
nanomaterials are a promising
soft stabilizer for a Pickering system. In this study, nanocellulose
microgels with foaming properties were constructed by electrostatic
assembly between nisin and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-1-oxyl-oxidized
cellulose nanocrystals (TOCNC). Pickering wet foam was prepared by
using the microgels as a foaming stabilizer. Nanocellulose microgels
exhibited better foaming ability and foam stability than TOCNCs. Quartz
crystal microbalance with dissipation and transmission electron microscopy
analyses confirmed that the nanocellulose microgels prepared under
different nisin concentrations demonstrated significant differences
in morphology, conformation, and structural strength. Microgel particles
prepared at 0.03 and 0.06 wt % nisin concentrations had a unique dendritic
microstructure. Microgels containing 0.06 wt % nisin displayed better
foaming ability and foam stability. It was possible that the soft
dendritic structure of the microgels could endow bubbles with sufficient
thickness and strength to prevent coalescence. This novelty nanocellulose
microgel is expected to be used for expanding the application of nanocellulose
in the functional interfacial design of Pickering foams.
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