Nanocellulose-stabilized W/O/W Pickering double emulsions from Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo for the delivery of salvianolic acid B

This study developed novel W/O/W Pickering double emulsions (PDEs) stabilized by Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo-derived cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) for the delivery of salvianolic acid B (Sal B). CNFs were obtained via TEMPO oxidation, forming a highly extended, interwoven nanoscale network. Driven by electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding, and hydrophobic interactions, CNFs and ZNPs (1:2) co-assembled at pH 4.0. This assembly enabled the one-step fabrication of W/O/W PDEs, as confirmed by optical and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The emulsion droplets remained uniformly distributed and highly stable over a 30-day storage period. Rheological analyses showed that increasing the oil fraction from 50% to 70% induced pronounced elastic gel behavior and enhanced system viscoelasticity. These higher lipid fractions effectively reduced free fatty acid release during simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. More importantly, the construct successfully protected Sal B from premature degradation, enabling its release in the gut. These results highlight the potential of D. officinale cellulose as a sustainable plant stabilizer and establish a nanocellulose-based formulation platform for plant bioactive compounds in pharmaceutical and industrial applications.