The preparation and characterization of pineapple peel cellulose nanofibers and its application in oil-water emulsions

This study explored the potential of pineapple peel waste as a sustainable source of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) for Pickering emulsion stabilization. Pineapple peel cellulose, enzymatically extracted and subsequently TEMPO-oxidized and sonicated to produce TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TC), was investigated as an emulsifier. The effects of TC concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 % wt%) and oil phase volumes (20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 %) on rheological properties, and emulsion stability were determined. Results demonstrated that increasing TC concentration significantly enhanced emulsion stability through the formation of a cohesive three-dimensional network structure. This stability was maintained across a broad range of pH, ionic strength, and temperature. Molecular dynamics simulations supported these findings, revealing that TC enhances emulsion stability through favorable intermolecular interactions. This work highlights the potential of pineapple peel-derived CNF as a sustainable and high-performing alternative for emulsion stabilization applications.