Oleogel-based Water-in-Oil Pickering Emulsions Stabilized Solely by Birch Outer Bark Extract Particles

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This study demonstrated a novel approach for the preparation of Pickering water-in-oil emulsions stabilized solely by birch outer bark extract microparticles. Using a pre-formed extract particle-based oleogel as the continuous phase, stable emulsions with water phase fraction up to 65 wt% and fine water droplet sizes (3.6–7.7 µm) were successfully obtained via a simple cold homogenization process. The Pickering emulsions exhibited pronounced shear-thinning behavior and strong viscoelastic, gel-like characteristics, particularly at higher water phase fractions, indicating the formation of a robust internal structure. This structural integrity and stability may be achieved through the synergistic effects of Pickering stabilization and bulk network reinforcement. The obtained systems showed good stability under various conditions, including prolonged storage, elevated temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, and centrifugation (with minor limitations at lower water fractions), highlighting the robustness of the obtained Pickering emulsions for practical applications.