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Article

Lignin–Quercetin Hybrid Colloidal Particles as Sustainable Pickering Emulsifiers: A Bio-Based and Functional Approach

by
Barbara Miqueletti de Oliveira
1,2,
Giovana Colucci
1,
Tatiana B. Schreiner
1,
Gert Preegel
3,
Lucimara Lopes da Silva
2,
Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart
1 and
Maria-Filomena Barreiro
1,*
1
CIMO, LA SusTEC, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
2
Departamento de Engenharia Química, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Londrina, Londrina 86036-370, Brazil
3
Fibenol Biorefinary & Laboratories, 13522 Tallinn, Estonia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Molecules 2026, 31(5), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050889
Submission received: 23 January 2026 / Revised: 16 February 2026 / Accepted: 4 March 2026 / Published: 7 March 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Sustainable Emulsions: Design, Stabilization, and Functional Applications)
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Abstract

Lignin, the second-most-abundant polymer on Earth, has attracted attention for its value-added applications. Colloidal lignin particles can overcome handling and compatibility issues, offer antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV-protective properties, and serve as Pickering stabilizers. Plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids (e.g., quercetin), can further enhance lignin-based formulations. In this context, colloidal lignin–quercetin particles (CLQPs) were produced for the first time via antisolvent precipitation and used as Pickering emulsion stabilizers. CLQP dispersions (30 g/L) were prepared by solubilizing lignin and quercetin in 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone solution, followed by precipitation with a pH 8 buffer. A quercetin content of 50% (w/w) (CLQP-50) resulted in predominantly round-shaped lignin–quercetin particles (<1 µm) with a small fraction of quercetin crystals. Both structures contributed to emulsion stabilization, as evidenced by confocal microscopy, a three-phase contact angle of 91.6 ± 0.1°, and a zeta potential of −52.8 ± 2.7 mV. CLQP-50 successfully stabilized Pickering emulsions at a 60/40 oil/water ratio, showing high physical stability (stability index 0.01) and shear-thinning behavior with gel-like consistency. These findings demonstrate the pioneering development of lignin–quercetin hybrid colloidal particles as sustainable and functional Pickering stabilizers, opening new opportunities for advanced cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
Keywords: lignin; colloidal lignin particles; quercetin; Pickering emulsions lignin; colloidal lignin particles; quercetin; Pickering emulsions
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MDPI and ACS Style

Oliveira, B.M.d.; Colucci, G.; Schreiner, T.B.; Preegel, G.; Silva, L.L.d.; Santamaria-Echart, A.; Barreiro, M.-F. Lignin–Quercetin Hybrid Colloidal Particles as Sustainable Pickering Emulsifiers: A Bio-Based and Functional Approach. Molecules 2026, 31, 889. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050889

AMA Style

Oliveira BMd, Colucci G, Schreiner TB, Preegel G, Silva LLd, Santamaria-Echart A, Barreiro M-F. Lignin–Quercetin Hybrid Colloidal Particles as Sustainable Pickering Emulsifiers: A Bio-Based and Functional Approach. Molecules. 2026; 31(5):889. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050889

Chicago/Turabian Style

Oliveira, Barbara Miqueletti de, Giovana Colucci, Tatiana B. Schreiner, Gert Preegel, Lucimara Lopes da Silva, Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart, and Maria-Filomena Barreiro. 2026. "Lignin–Quercetin Hybrid Colloidal Particles as Sustainable Pickering Emulsifiers: A Bio-Based and Functional Approach" Molecules 31, no. 5: 889. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050889

APA Style

Oliveira, B. M. d., Colucci, G., Schreiner, T. B., Preegel, G., Silva, L. L. d., Santamaria-Echart, A., & Barreiro, M.-F. (2026). Lignin–Quercetin Hybrid Colloidal Particles as Sustainable Pickering Emulsifiers: A Bio-Based and Functional Approach. Molecules, 31(5), 889. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050889

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