Extraction and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for pickering emulsion stabilisation

Title : Extraction and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for pickering emulsion stabilisation

Abstract:

Pickering emulsions, which are stabilized by solid particles instead of conventional surfactants, have attracted considerable attention due to their advantages including low toxicity, environmental compatibility, and ease of recovery. Among natural stabilizers, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have emerged as a promising alternative owing to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and high surface area. In this study, CNCs were extracted from Cannabis sativa L. cv. “Narlı”, the first nationally registered hemp seed variety in Turkey. Following extraction, structural and physicochemical characterizations were conducted to evaluate their potential for stabilizing Pickering-type emulsions. FTIR analysis confirmed the effective removal of non-cellulosic components such as hemicellulose and lignin, while XRD analysis revealed a high crystallinity index (84.28%). Notably, the CNCs exhibited excellent colloidal stability with a zeta potential of –54.3 mV, which is a critical factor for preventing droplet coalescence in Pickering emulsions. These findings indicate that CNCs obtained from Cannabis sativa L. cv. Narlı possess favorable interfacial properties for Pickering emulsion stabilisation. CNC-stabilized emulsions hold significant potential for a wide range of applications in multifunctional bio-based systems. Beyond food and packaging, they may also be applied in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biomedical fields for purposes such as controlled release, encapsulation of active compounds, and the formulation of stable emulsified systems. These applications contribute to the development of safe, sustainable, and high-performance materials across various industrial sectors.

Biography:

Latife Çağla Çoklar is a Lecturer, RTTP, and certified Patent Attorney at Ondokuz Mayıs University, Turkey. She holds an MSc in Food Engineering and is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field. Her research focuses on bio-based functional materials such as nanocellulose and pectin, as well as green extraction and valorisation of agri-food waste. With over a decade of experience in intellectual property and technology transfer, she supports academia-industry collaborations through IP training and portfolio management. She actively participates in COST Action EU-NESA and contributes to sustainable food systems through evidence-based scientific practices.