Dihydromyricetin-Loaded Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Dialdehyde Cellulose Nanocrystals for Preparation of Antioxidant Gelatin–Based Edible Films

Surfactant-free Pickering emulsion has been considered as a promising carrier to load oil-soluble active agents for preparation of active edible films to keep food quality and safety. Herein, dialdehyde cellulose nanocrystals (DCNC) were obtained by the periodate oxidation. Then, the DCNC-stabilized Pickering emulsion loaded with dihydromyricetin was prepared and incorporated into gelatin matrix to fabricate gelatin-based active edible films. Interestingly, DCNC was used to cross-link gelatin, besides stabilizing Pickering emulsion, to effectively improve the physicochemical properties of gelatin-based films. The results indicate that the Pickering emulsion stabilized by DCNC3 (DCNC3-DP) is quite stable during storage and centrifugation. And DCNC3-DP was homogeneously dispersed in gelatin films. Significantly, the gelatin-based active edible films incorporated with DCNC3-DP have strong UV barrier ability, high transparency, good water resistance, favorable mechanical property, and effective antioxidant activity. Overall, the as-prepared gelatin-based active edible films have advantages in the application of food and drug packaging.