Hydrogen-bond-driven stabilization and antioxidant synergy in Pickering emulsions stabilized by natural polyphenol-cellulose nanocrystal hybrids

To meet the increasing demand for green and sustainable delivery systems in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals and address the research gap in natural polyphenol-cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composite stabilizers, this study developed a bio-based Pickering emulsion stabilizer via hydrogen bonding between 6’- O -caffeoyl arbutin (CA) and CNCs. Results demonstrated CA/CNCs self-assembled into a dense interfacial layer, endowing the emulsion with exceptional stability that was reflected in over 85% curcumin enscapsulation efficiency after 30 days of dark storage and structural integrity at up to 80 °C, while CA-curcumin synergism enhanced antioxidant activity with 76.9% DPPH and 81.2% ABTS + free radical scavenging rates. FT-IR, 1 H NMR, and computational simulations confirmed the hydrogen-bond network between CA and cellobiose as the core stabilization mechanism. This study provides a novel, eco-friendly strategy for high-performance natural stabilizers, offering the advancement of green, functional delivery systems across relevant industries.