The structural, antioxidant and emulsifying properties of cellulose nanofiber-dihydromyricetin mixtures: Effects of composite ratio

In this work, effects of cellulose nanofiber/dihydromyricetin (CNF/DMY) ratio on the structural, antioxidant and emulsifying properties of the CNF/DMY mixtures were investigated. CNF integrated with DMY via hydrogen bonding and the antioxidant capacity of mixtures increased with decreasing CNF/DMY ratio (k). The oxidative stability of emulsions enhanced as the DMY content increased. Emulsions formed at Φ = 0.5 displayed larger size (about 25 μm), better viscoelasticity and centrifugal stability than those at Φ = 0.3 (about 23 μm). The emulsions at k = 17:3 and Φ = 0.5 exhibited the most excellent viscoelasticity. In conclusion, the DMY content in mixtures and the oil phase fraction exhibited distinct synergistic effects on the formation and characteristics of emulsions, and the emulsions could demonstrate superior oxidative and storage stability. These findings could provide a novel strategy to extend the shelf life of cellulose-based emulsions and related products.