Cationic Chitosan Research Articles

Effective biomass harvesting of marine diatom Chaetoceros muelleri by chitosan-induced flocculation, preservation of biomass, and recycling of culture medium for aquaculture feed application

Microalgae are a promising new source of biomass; however, large-scale economical harvesting of microalgal biomass is a major technological and economic challenge, limiting the commercial production of microalgal biomass for high-value compounds. In this study, the cationic polymer chitosan was used for the harvesting of the marine diatom Chaetoceros muelleri. Natural flocculation, and pH and chitosan-induced flocculation were studied in detail. The effects of flocculant dosage, culture pH, initial biomass concentration, and sedimentation time were investigated on biomass recovery. The results showed that flocculation efficiency can reach > 99% with an optimum dosage of chitosan (80 mg L−1) at pH 9.6 and settling time of 40 minutes for biomass concentration from 0.2 to 1.2 g L−1. The reusability of the recycled water, preservation of biomass after harvesting, and cost of the harvesting process were evaluated. The results showed that the chitosan-induced flocculation offers an efficient, cost-effective, rapid, and sustainable harvesting method for C. muelleri biomass for food and feed applications in aquaculture.

Multiscale Modeling Reveals Physical Interactions that Influence the Mechanical Behaviour of Polysaccharide-Surfactant Hydrogels

Chitosan is a gel-forming polysaccharide biopolymer. The amine groups on chitosan monomers ionize with a pKa ∼6.5 which facilitates pH-responsive transition from an insoluble physically crosslinked hydrogel at basic pH, to a soluble polycationic state at acidic pH. However, addition of anionic surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to cationic chitosan allows the formation of electrostatically linked hydrogels. In contrast to the elastic nature of chitosan gels at basic pH, these acid-stable SDS:chitosan gels have been shown to display viscoelasticity and self-healing properties. This tunable nature of chitosan makes it an attractive biomaterial for bioelectronics fabrication, and other biomedical applications. Here, we use a multiscale molecular modeling approach to identify the molecular interactions responsible for the orthogonal dependence of mechanical properties on pH and SDS concentration. We use coarse-grained molecular dynamics to self-assemble large, space-spanning SDS:chitosan networks. We then back-map these networks to atomistic resolution to further investigate the finer differences between their interaction profiles. Our findings show that water mediated contacts are the predominant crosslinking interaction at basic pH, but not at acidic pH. Instead, SDS-chitosan salt bridges and hydrogen bonds are the dominating crosslinks at acidic pH. Furthermore, direct chitosan-chitosan hydrogen-bonds appear to have a much smaller role in hydrogel structure than previously thought. These findings offer valuable insights into the fine molecular interactions that stabilize these polysaccharide-surfactant hydrogels. Taken together with the known mechanical behaviours of these hydrogels, our results offer directions for the rational design of chitosan materials from the bottom up.

Synthesis of chitosan grafted polymethyl methacrylate nanopolymers and its effect on polyvinyl chloride membrane for acetone recovery by pervaporation

In comparison to conventional nanoparticles biopolymer like chitosan based nanoparticles will be of much lower cost, non-toxic and more compatible with polymer membranes. As a cationic polymer surfactant chitosan is able to generate polymer nanoparticles during emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Accordingly, the organophilicity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane was significantly improved by incorporating chitosan grafted polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanopolymers(NPs) prepared by emulsion polymerization. The NPs and the PVC-NP blend membranes were characterized. The chitosan: MMA wt. ratio and the wt.% of NP in PVC were optimized by a 5-level factorial design. The membranes prepared from i) PVC, PVC blended with 6.5 wt.% each of ii) chitosan, iii) PMMA and iv) NP showed a pervaporative flux (kg/m2h)/acetone selectivity of 0.439/24.31, 0.477/21.56, 0.461/23.41 and 0.502/27.96, respectively for 5.6 wt.% acetone in feed. The sorption and pervaporation data showed close fitting to ENSIC and six-parameter solution-diffusion model, respectively.

Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensors Based on Copper Sulfides: Effect of Binder-Particles Interactions in Drop-Casted Suspensions on Electrodes Electrochemical Performance

The constant progress in novel nanomaterials synthesis has contributed to the rapid development of nonenzymatic glucose sensors. For working electrodes preparation, drop casting proved to be the most convenient and thus most widely applied method. However, appropriate interpretation of obtained electrochemical signal requires in-depth knowledge of limitations related to this technique. In this study, we prepared solutions based on commonly reported polymers for nanostructures immobilization and investigated their influence on copper sulfides distribution on the electrode. Characterization of suspensions properties and behavior of particles during droplet drying revealed that nonionic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was favorable for electrodes modification with copper sulfides in comparison with Nafion and chitosan. It ensured homogeneity of the suspension as well as the uniform coverage of the electrode surface with particles, what resulted in increased active surface area and, therefore, higher signal from glucose addition. On the other hand, when cationic chitosan was used as a binder, suspensions were agglomerated and, within dry deposits, a coffee-ring effect was observed. Appropriate adjustment of material and polymer interactions led to enhanced electrode electrochemical performance.

PH‐Sensitive Polymeric Poly (ϵ‐caprolactone) Core‐ Chitosan/Alginate Shell Particle System for Oral Insulin Delivery

AbstractOral administration of the drugs is considered as one of the most convenient and comfortable routes. However, an effective oral delivery of insulin still remains a challenging and elusive goal, due to bioavailability problem. The aim of our work is to develop a pH sensitive polymeric system for the oral delivery of insulin based on a poly (ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) core and shells of chitosan (CS) and alginate (ALG). The particles were prepared based on the double emulsion (water/oil/water) solvent evaporation method. The effect of blending Pluronic127 (F127) into the hydrophobic PCL matrix to improve its water permeability by increasing specific surface area. ALG have been chosen to provide the needed pH‐sensitivity to the system. However, to coat the PCL surface with this anionic ALG layer a cationic CS layer has been added. The influence of each of the CS and ALG layers on the nanoparticle's physiochemical properties as well as on the encapsulation efficiency and the drug release behavior of the nanoparticles was investigated. The results showed that CS and ALG shells increased the stability of the nanoparticles. The in vitro release studies using two different pH environments (1.2 and 6.8) to simulate the physiological conditions in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) showed that, the particles have pH‐responsive release patterns. The kinetics studies showed that, the insulin release from all the particles formulations obey the Korsmeyer‐ Peppas kinetic model.

EfficientN-sulfopropylation of chitosan with 1,3-propane sultone in aqueous solutions: neutral pH as the key condition

Conjugation of strong anionic sulfonate groups to chitosan (CS) is typically used for converting the weak cationic CS to its polyampholyte derivatives, which are of interest to different areas benefiting from both cationic and anionic groups.

Tragacanth Gum/Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Complexes-Based Hydrogels Enriched with Xanthan Gum as Promising Materials for Buccal Application.

Polyelectrolyte complexes based on the electrostatic interactions between the polymers mixed are of increasing importance, therefore, the aim of this study was to develop hydrogels composed of anionic tragacanth gum and cationic chitosan with or without the addition of anionic xanthan gum as carriers for buccal drug delivery. Besides the routine quality tests evaluating the hydrogel’s applicability on the buccal mucosa, different methods directed toward the assessment of the interpolymer complexation process (e.g., turbidity or zeta potential analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) were employed. The addition of xanthan gum resulted in stronger complexation of chitosan that affected the hydrogel’s characteristics. The formation of a more viscous PEC hydrogel with improved mucoadhesiveness and mechanical strength points out the potential of such polymer combination in the development of buccal drug dosage forms.

Environmentally-Benign Phytic Acid-Based Multilayer Coating for Flame Retardant Cotton.

Chemically bleached cotton fabric was treated with phytic acid (PA), chitosan (CH) and urea by means of layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition to impart flame retardant (FR) behavior using only benign and renewable molecules. Samples were treated with 8, 10, 12 and 15 bilayers (BL) of anionic PA and cationic CH, with urea mixed into the aqueous CH solution. Flammability was evaluated by measuring limiting oxygen index (LOI) and through vertical flame testing. LOI values are comparable to those obtained with commercial flame-retardant finishes, and applying 10 or more bilayers renders cotton self-extinguishing and able to pass the vertical flame test. Microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) measurements show the average reduction of peak heat release rate (pHRR) of all treated fabrics of ~61% and the reduction of total heat release (THR) of ~74%, in comparison to untreated cotton. Decomposition temperatures peaks (T1max) measured by thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) decreased by approximately 62 °C, while an average residue at 650 °C is ~21% for 10 and more bilayers. Images of post-burn char indicate that PA/CH-urea treatment is intumescent. The ability to deposit such a safe and effective FR treatment, with relatively few layers, makes LbL an alternative to current commercial treatments.

Differences of the tumour cell glycocalyx affect binding of capsaicin-loaded chitosan nanocapsules

The glycocalyx regulates the interaction of mammalian cells with extracellular molecules, such as cytokines. However, it is unknown to which extend the glycocalyx of distinct cancer cells control the binding and uptake of nanoparticles. In the present study, exome sequencing data of cancer patients and analysis of distinct melanoma and bladder cancer cell lines suggested differences in cancer cell-exposed glycocalyx components such as heparan sulphate. Our data indicate that glycocalyx differences affected the binding of cationic chitosan nanocapsules (Chi-NCs). The pronounced glycocalyx of bladder cancer cells enhanced the internalisation of nanoencapsulated capsaicin. Consequently, capsaicin induced apoptosis in the cancer cells, but not in the less glycosylated benign urothelial cells. Moreover, we measured counterion condensation on highly negatively charged heparan sulphate chains. Counterion condensation triggered a cooperative binding of Chi-NCs, characterised by a weak binding rate at low Chi-NC doses and a strongly increased binding rate at high Chi-NC concentrations. Our results indicate that the glycocalyx of tumour cells controls the binding and biological activity of nanoparticles. This has to be considered for the design of tumour cell directed nanocarriers to improve the delivery of cytotoxic drugs. Differential nanoparticle binding may also be useful to discriminate tumour cells from healthy cells.

Anionic Liposomes in Contact with Cationic Chitosan Particles

Nanoparticles of ionically cross-linked chitosan have been prepared from the linear polymer with weight-average molecular mass Mw of 30000, 63000, or 300000 and the molar content of primary amino groups of 0.85. Multi-liposomal complexes have been obtained via electrostatic adsorption of anionic liposomes on the surface of cationic chitosan particles. The effect of the chitosan molecular weight on the size of the final complexes and their stability in a water–salt media have been studied. The conditions for the formation of multi-liposomal complexes with size in the range of 250–450 nm have been determined. We have proposed to use linear chitosan with Mw of 30000 and 63000 to obtain multi-liposomal complexes. The size of the resulting constructions allows them to enter cells via the passive transport mechanism through enlarged pores in blood capillaries in inflammatory foci and tumors.

Development of probiotic orodispersible tablets using mucoadhesive polymers for buccal mucoadhesion

Objective Probiotic bacteria, such as different lactobacilli strains, have successfully been used to treat gingivitis and periodontitis or caries. By formulating probiotics as orodispersible tablet (ODT), the benefits of this dosage form could be utilized. Without any further measures, the probiotic bacteria will be eliminated too fast from the intended site of action, the oral mucosa. The use of mucoadhesive granules, composed of mucoadhesive polymer and probiotics, is a promising strategy to prolong the contact time between lactobacilli and oral mucosa without delaying disintegration. Methods Three common mucoadhesive polymers, anionic Carbopol 971P NF, nonionic Metolose 65SH50 and cationic chitosan were included into tablets either by direct compression (DC) or after granulation with the probiotics. Disintegration, mucoadhesion of the tablets, and storage stability of the probiotics were characterized. Results By incorporating a sufficient amount of polymer superior probiotic mucoadhesion could be achieved. All formulations based on granulated probiotics and mucoadhesive polymer fulfilled the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acceptance level for disintegration of orodispersible tablets. These formulations exhibited excellent storage stability under refrigerated conditions over 30 months. Interestingly, ODTs including Carbopol 971P NF still proved superior mucoadhesion after long-term storage, whereas the mucoadhesive effect of Metolose 65SH50 and chitosan declined markedly. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that Carbopol 971P NF was the most appropriate polymer for a probiotic mucoadhesive ODT.

Facile synthesis of sludge-based mesoporous carbon with flocculants: Effect of template on the synthetic behavior and improved phenol capture

Based on the self-assembly of materials and pyrolysis technology, the template-like method was developed to construct sewage sludge-based mesoporous carbons (SSMCs) by employing sewage sludge as precursor of carbon source, and three different flocculants including cationic polyacrylamide, anionic polyacrylamide and chitosan as template. During the preparation, the flocculant played roles of nucleation, pore formation and surface group modification. Different types of templates have similar self-assembly behavior with sludge particles and endow various properties of SSMCs. The appropriate template concentration strengthens the adsorption bridging effect between template and sludge, thereby promoting the more stable assemblies among precursors. Potential physicochemical changes during thermal evolution are recorded to reveal its preparation mechanism from the aspects of mass loss, variation of functional groups and component change, showing that obvious difference in thermal stability between sludge and flocculant lays a foundation for the mesoporous regeneration of SSMCs. Simultaneous improvement of surface acidic-alkaline group content, mesoporous structure and adsorption performance can be achieved by template-like method. Compared with other SSMCs, product prepared from anionic polyacrylamide displayed higher affinity to phenol due to its higher abundant amide group and π−π interactions. This work provides new insight into the development of utilization of excess sludge in sewage treatment plant.

Enhanced antifungal activity of novel cationic chitosan derivative bearing triphenylphosphonium salt via azide-alkyne click reaction

As one of the most promising biopolymers for a variety of potential applications, chitosan has attracted much attention because of its unique biological, chemical, and physical properties. The functionalization of chitosan has been adopted to synthesize novel chitosan derivatives with improved water-solubility and excellent biological activities. In this paper, chitosan was functionalized with a triphenylphosphonium group by means of the copper (I) catalyzed azide-alkyne “click” reaction and has been investigated as potential polymer for agricultural antifungal biomaterial. The influence of chemical modification on the structural characteristics and water-solubility of chitosan was investigated by FTIR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and UV–vis spectrum. Furthermore, the antifungal property of target chitosan derivative against four plant threatening fungal pathogens was evaluated and in vitro investigation demonstrated that triphenylphosphonium salt incorporated chitosan backbone had excellent antifungal property compared with chitosan and intermediate chitosan derivative. Notably, target chitosan derivative displayed relatively strongest antifungal effect with over 80% inhibitory index against Botrytis cinerea at 1.0 mg/mL. The results of a detailed antifungal study indicated that cationic chitosan derivative bearing 1,2,3-triazole and triphenylphosphonium moieties provided a promising platform for preparation of novel cationic antifungal biomaterials in the field of agriculture.

Development of hybrid vesicular nanosystems composed of lipids and chitosan for octyl methoxycinnamate encapsulation

Nanotechnology is of great importance for the development of new medicines and cosmetic formulations. When applied to cosmetics, nanocarrier systems can prevent skin irritation, and in the case of sunscreens they can enhance photoprotection by improving photostability. Liposomes are considered a promising alternative for carrying different active ingredients, with the advantages of biocompatibility and low toxicity. However, they have low stability, which can cause leakage of the encapsulated substances, making it necessary to find ways to overcome this limitation. In this work, liposomes coated with the cationic polymer chitosan were developed to encapsulate octyl methoxycinnamate, a UVB sunscreen, to obtain systems with good stability and potential for application in photoprotective formulations. The systems were obtained from the incorporation of octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) in a commercial pre-dispersion of lipids (Phosal® 53 MCT) and polysorbate 80 (Tween® 80), in which the best proportions of lipid and surfactant for encapsulation of OMC was established by evaluating the average size distribution, polydispersity index (PDI) and stability of the liposomes over time, using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. We obtained a liposomal system with good stability (S1T1), with a size distribution profile with predominant populations around 110 and 510 nm and average PDI of 0.39. The S1T1 system was coated with low molecular weight chitosan, and the coated and uncoated structures (S1T1-Q and S1T1), respectively, were also evaluated by zeta potential (ZP) measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to ascertain the effect of the coating. The sun protection factor (SPF) was determined and in vitro release and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed for formulations containing S1T1 and S1T1-Q. The results demonstrated that the formulations containing the coated liposomes were efficient and suitable for topical application, in addition to presenting good stability and better release profile.

Utilization of multilayer-technology to enhance encapsulation efficiency and osmotic gradient tolerance of iron-loaded W1/O/W2 emulsions: Saponin-chitosan coatings

Multilayer technology was used to improve the performance of multiple emulsions. W1/O/W2 emulsions were fabricated using 2 wt% polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) as a hydrophobic surfactant and 2 wt% saponin as a hydrophilic surfactant. The anionic saponin-coated W1/O droplets in the multiple emulsions were coated with a layer of cationic chitosan using electrostatic deposition. The influence of chitosan concentration (0.05–0.4 wt%) on the formation and stabilization of the W1/O/W2 emulsions was evaluated by measuring the ζ-potential, microstructure, and mean droplet diameter. The W1/O droplets became saturated at 0.3 wt% chitosan, which resulted in emulsions containing relatively small cationic droplets (d ≈ 400 nm; ζ ≈ +30 mV) that were resistant to droplet aggregation. The double-layer W1/O/W2 emulsions were highly effective at retaining iron (ferrous sulfate) within their internal aqueous phase, with more than 87% remaining after storage for 28 days at 25 °C. They also remained stable when exposed to an osmotic stress gradient, which was created by having different glucose levels (3–30 wt%) in the external aqueous phases, but a constant level (30 wt%) in the internal aqueous phase. The size of the saponin-chitosan coated W1/O droplets was unchanged from 30 to 6 wt% glucose in the external aqueous phase, while the saponin-coated ones were only stable from 30 to 21 wt% glucose. The chitosan coatings also inhibited the release of iron from the W1/O/W2 emulsions under osmotic stress. Overall, our results suggest that double-layer W1/O/W2 emulsions may be effective iron delivery systems for food applications.

Development of antibacterial nanoemulsions incorporating thyme oil: Layer-by-layer self-assembly of whey protein isolate and chitosan hydrochloride

The aim of this study was to develop a thyme oil emulsion with good physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity. Initially, oil-in-water emulsions containing whey protein-coated essential oil droplets were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. The double-layer emulsions were formed around the oil droplets by electrostatic deposition of cationic chitosan hydrochloride onto the anionic protein-coated droplets. Then, the structure, physicochemical properties, and storage stability of the emulsions were determined. Emulsions formulated using 1% v/v thyme oil, 0.7 wt% whey protein, and 0.25 wt% of chitosan hydrochloride contained relatively small cationic droplets. Moreover, the emulsions containing double-layer coatings were shear-thinning fluids. Storage tests indicated that double-layer emulsions had better stability than the single-layer. Antibacterial tests indicated that the double-layer emulsions exhibited prolonged antibacterial activity against two model food pathogens: E. coli and S. aureus. These results provide a scientific basis for the rational design of antimicrobial delivery systems for use in foods.

Effect of interfacial layer number on the storage stability and in vitro digestion of fish oil-loaded multilayer emulsions consisting of gelatin particle and polysaccharides

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the interfacial layer number on the storage stability and in vitro digestion of fish oil-loaded primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary multilayer emulsions stabilized by gelatin particle and polysaccharides (anionic alginate and cationic chitosan), prepared using a layer-by-layer electrostatic deposition technique. The results demonstrate that the emulsion creaming stability during the storage process and the emulsion droplet stability against the gastric phase are dependent on the interfacial layer number. But, the interfacial layer number in the multilayer emulsions has no obvious effects on the droplet stability against droplet coalescence during the storage process and against the small intestinal phases of gastrointestinal tract models. Moreover, it also has no obvious effect on the sustained free fatty acid release of multilayer emulsions. This study can advance the fundamental understanding of multilayer emulsions and promote their potential applications.

Injectable multi-responsive micelle/nanocomposite hybrid hydrogel for bioenzyme and photothermal augmented chemodynamic therapy of skin cancer and bacterial infection

Activatable theranostic strategy with high specificity and sensitivity for simultaneous skin cancer therapy and anti-infection remains a major challenge. Here, we developed an injectable multi-responsive micelle/nanocomposite hybrid hydrogel (CFMG) for bioenzyme and photothermal augmented chemodynamic therapy (CDT) of both skin tumor and bacterial invasion. The multifunctional hybrid hydrogel was successfully fabricated through incorporating MoS2@MnFe2O4 nanocomposites into a dynamic Schiff-based chemical cross-linked hydrogel of chitosan-grafted-dihydrocaffeic acid (CS-DA) and aldehyde Pluronic F127 (F127-CHO) micelles loaded with glucose oxidase (GOx). The sustained release of GOx induced by the pH-responsive biodegradation of the hybrid hydrogel could continuously consume the intratumoral glucose, produce H2O2, and increase acidity. In the gradually enhanced acidic environment, the accelerated release of catalytic iron ions from MoS2@MnFe2O4 nanocomposites catalyzed the decomposition of H2O2 into highly toxic OH via Fenton-like reaction to induce cell death. Remarkably, by combining with a spatiotemporal controllable photothermal hyperthermia, the CFMG hydrogel exhibited bioenzyme and photothermal synergistically enhanced CDT of skin tumor, and demonstrated an almost complete tumor suppression both in vitro (98.8%) and in vivo (97.6%). Moreover, due to the cationic chitosan and the augmented production of OH, the CFMG hydrogel also demonstrated an effective bacterial eradication (≥99%) both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the CFMG hydrogel indicated a great potential for simultaneous skin cancer treatment and antibacterial infection.

Preparation of super high concentration cationic polyacrylamide emulsion and its flocculation with cationic polymers

A super high concentration cationic polyacrylamide emulsion (CPAME‐uhc) was prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization. The influence of its cationic degree and molecular weight on flocculation property was discussed. Then, the chemical structure and micromorphology of the obtained CPAME‐uhc were characterized by Fourier infrared spectrum (FT‐IR), NMR hydrogen spectrum (1H NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the synergistic flocculation effects of CPAME‐uhc respectively with polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDADMAC), poly methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (PDMC), cationic starch (CS), cationic guar gum (CHPG), cationic chitosan (CTS), and polyamine (PA) on the CPAME‐uhc were investigated. The results showed that the optimum cationic degree and molecular weight of CPAME‐uhc were 25% and 12 million, respectively. FT‐IR and 1H NMR analysis showed that the product was a copolymer of acryloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and acrylamide. GPC analysis confirmed that the molecular weight distribution of CPAME‐uhc product was very narrow. SEM shows that the latex particles of CPAME‐uhc are regular spheres with a diameter of 200 to 500 nm. When CPAME‐uhc is respectively combined with five cationic polymers in a certain proportion, all of them show good synergistic flocculation to papermaking wastewater. The order of synergistic flocculation effect is: CPAME‐uhc/PDADMAC > CPAME‐uhc/PDMC > CPAME‐uhc/CTS > CPAME‐uhc/CS > CPAME‐uhc/CHPG > CPAME‐uhc/PA. Finally, the mechanism of synergistic flocculation was proposed. This study provides a theoretical and research basis for the preparation of CPAME‐uhc and its application in the treatment of papermaking wastewater.

Tuning complexation of carboxymethyl cellulose/ cationic chitosan to stabilize Pickering emulsion for curcumin encapsulation

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is an economical and easily available cellulose derivative that ionizes in water and is used in several charge-related interfacial applications. However, compared with other chemically functionalized cellulose derivatives, such as cellulose nanocrystals, the development of CMC-based (CMC as the major ingredient) O/W emulsions remains unexplored. In this study, we synthesized a CMC and quaternized chitosan (QCS) complex for the preparation of Pickering emulsions. Partially protonated CMC was complexed with QCS, followed by neutralization at pH 7 to obtain the CMC/QCS (CQ) particles. The prepared CQ-stabilized emulsion showed a gel-like rheological behavior and exhibited emulsion stability against several environmental stresses, including pH, salt, temperature, and long-term storage. The curcumin was then encapsulated in the CQ-stabilized emulsion and displayed a reduced degradation rate. This study provides a new route for the development of a Pickering emulsion delivery system with improved stability, sustainability and reduced complexity.