Exploiting the Thermotropic Behavior of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose to Produce Edible Photonic Pigments. (3rd February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ming, Siyi; Zhang, Xiaotian; Chan, Chun Lam Clement; Wang, Zhen; Bay, Mélanie M.; Parker, Richard M.; Vignolini, Silvia
• Is Part Of: Advanced sustainable systems. Volume 7:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-02-03
• Subjects: edible pigments -- hydroxypropyl cellulose -- liquid crystals -- microparticles -- structural colors; Sustainable living -- Periodicals; Sustainability -- Periodicals; Green technology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 628
• DOI: 10.1002/adsu.202200469
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2366-7486

Abstract

Abstract: Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a widely commercialized cellulose derivative. While it is typically used as a binder or stabilizer for foods and pharmaceuticals, it can also form a cholesteric liquid crystal in aqueous solution. Moreover, at high HPC concentrations this lyotropic and thermotropic mesophase is known to reflect structural color. However, it remains a challenge to retain this vibrant coloration into the solid state. Herein, by combining the emulsification of a HPC mesophase with drying at elevated temperature, solid microparticles are produced that can reflect color across the visible spectrum, from blue to green and red. This method provides a facile and scalable pathway to fabricate structurally colored, edible pigments, which can displace existing synthetic additives used in a wide range of foods and cosmetics. Abstract : By exploiting both the lyotropic and thermotropic behavior of emulsified hydroxypropyl cellulose, photonic microparticles that display vibrant color across the visible spectrum can be directly produced. This method provides a facile and scalable pathway to fabricate edible pigments, which have the potential to displace existing synthetic colorants used in a wide range of foods and cosmetics.