Tunable Pickering emulsions from phenoxy-chitosan nanoparticles: Formulation mapping by emulsifier level, pH, and oil fraction
발표자
김영대 (건국대학교)
연구책임자
고준석 (건국대)
공동저자
김영대 (건국대학교), 김수현 (건국대), 고준석 (건국대)
초록
내용
Pickering emulsions are stabilized by solid particles adsorbed at oil–water interfaces, providing improved resistance to droplet coalescence. However, many biopolymer-based Pickering stabilizers show strong pH dependence, resulting in limited formulation stability. In this study, phenoxy-chitosan nanoparticles (PCNPs) were developed as pH-robust Pickering stabilizers using a scalable epoxide ring-opening grafting strategy. Phenoxy modification enhances amphiphilicity and interfacial affinity, enabling stable particle adsorption over a wide pH range. A formulation map was constructed by varying PCNP concentration, aqueous pH, and oil volume fraction. Emulsion structure and stability were evaluated by droplet size analysis, optical microscopy, and macroscopic stability indices. The results demonstrate a widened and pH-independent stability window governed mainly by particle loading and oil fraction, providing design guidelines for polymer-based Pickering cosmetic emulsions.