Pickering: Bacterial nanocellulose proves its worth

Tested by a team of Brazilian researchers, bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) represent a promising solution for stabilising Pickering emulsions. These highly pure, sustainable, and biocompatible polysaccharides offer both a biosourced alternative to conventional mineral powders and less ordered plant-derived cellulose. Obtained via sulphuric acid hydrolysis of the Komagataeibacter hansenii strain, these crystalline nanorods outperform nanofibres (CNF) produced by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. They stand out due to their greater reduction in interfacial tension and their remarkable resistance to pH variations and thermal stress. These performances are largely due to a high density of repulsive negative charges, together with high crystallinity and specific surface area.

A – Bacterial cellulose nanofibres (BNC). / B – Bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (CNC).