{"title":"Precise control of biphasic droplet symmetry: Nanoparticle-mediated 2D interfacial engineering modulates 3D spatial configuration","authors":"Xiaolong Li, Changhu Xue, Zihao Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.foodhyd.2025.112041","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Differences in the spatial arrangement of two immiscible phases lead to variations in the symmetry of biphasic droplets, thereby endowing them with diversified 3D spatial configurations. Symmetric core-shell droplets and asymmetric Janus droplets play crucial roles in the food field, including applications in protective encapsulation, controlled release, autonomous motion, particle synthesis, and more. However, comprehending and elucidating the control mechanism of biphasic droplet symmetry in one-step emulsification process remains a daunting challenge. The collision and coalescence behaviors of zein droplets and sodium alginate droplets in 3D space, similar to phagocytosis, create opportunities for the formation of biphasic droplets and the precise control of their symmetry. The interactions between immiscible droplets are closely linked to their 2D interfacial structure. Nanoparticles are utilized as an effective tool to control integrity of 2D interface in monophasic droplets. Therefore, the protein–polysaccharide nanoparticles, fabricated through deamidation and the Maillard reaction, are utilized to regulate the properties of the sodium alginate droplet 2D interface. Variations in the 2D interface structure of the sodium alginate droplets lead to the complete or incomplete engulfment of the sodium alginate droplets by the zein droplets. Ultimately, the nanoparticle-mediated 2D interface engineering modulates 3D spatial configuration of biphasic droplets. This work employs dimensionality reduction theory, using a 2D interface as an anchor point, to achieve symmetry control of biphasic droplets through nanoparticles. It not only lays theoretical foundations for applications of biphasic droplets but also introduces a new research paradigm for the design of functional food colloid structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":320,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 112041"},"PeriodicalIF":11.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Food Hydrocolloids","FirstCategoryId":"97","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268005X2501001X","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CHEMISTRY, APPLIED","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Differences in the spatial arrangement of two immiscible phases lead to variations in the symmetry of biphasic droplets, thereby endowing them with diversified 3D spatial configurations. Symmetric core-shell droplets and asymmetric Janus droplets play crucial roles in the food field, including applications in protective encapsulation, controlled release, autonomous motion, particle synthesis, and more. However, comprehending and elucidating the control mechanism of biphasic droplet symmetry in one-step emulsification process remains a daunting challenge. The collision and coalescence behaviors of zein droplets and sodium alginate droplets in 3D space, similar to phagocytosis, create opportunities for the formation of biphasic droplets and the precise control of their symmetry. The interactions between immiscible droplets are closely linked to their 2D interfacial structure. Nanoparticles are utilized as an effective tool to control integrity of 2D interface in monophasic droplets. Therefore, the protein–polysaccharide nanoparticles, fabricated through deamidation and the Maillard reaction, are utilized to regulate the properties of the sodium alginate droplet 2D interface. Variations in the 2D interface structure of the sodium alginate droplets lead to the complete or incomplete engulfment of the sodium alginate droplets by the zein droplets. Ultimately, the nanoparticle-mediated 2D interface engineering modulates 3D spatial configuration of biphasic droplets. This work employs dimensionality reduction theory, using a 2D interface as an anchor point, to achieve symmetry control of biphasic droplets through nanoparticles. It not only lays theoretical foundations for applications of biphasic droplets but also introduces a new research paradigm for the design of functional food colloid structures.
期刊介绍:
Food Hydrocolloids publishes original and innovative research focused on the characterization, functional properties, and applications of hydrocolloid materials used in food products. These hydrocolloids, defined as polysaccharides and proteins of commercial importance, are added to control aspects such as texture, stability, rheology, and sensory properties. The research's primary emphasis should be on the hydrocolloids themselves, with thorough descriptions of their source, nature, and physicochemical characteristics. Manuscripts are expected to clearly outline specific aims and objectives, include a fundamental discussion of research findings at the molecular level, and address the significance of the results. Studies on hydrocolloids in complex formulations should concentrate on their overall properties and mechanisms of action, while simple formulation development studies may not be considered for publication.
The main areas of interest are:
-Chemical and physicochemical characterisation
Thermal properties including glass transitions and conformational changes-
Rheological properties including viscosity, viscoelastic properties and gelation behaviour-
The influence on organoleptic properties-
Interfacial properties including stabilisation of dispersions, emulsions and foams-
Film forming properties with application to edible films and active packaging-
Encapsulation and controlled release of active compounds-
The influence on health including their role as dietary fibre-
Manipulation of hydrocolloid structure and functionality through chemical, biochemical and physical processes-
New hydrocolloids and hydrocolloid sources of commercial potential.
The Journal also publishes Review articles that provide an overview of the latest developments in topics of specific interest to researchers in this field of activity.