Sporopollenin symphony: Spores and pollen in three phase systems

Summary

Three-phase systems, including particle-stabilized emulsions and capillary suspensions, are extensively used in food, cosmetics, and materials science industries. From a soft matter perspective, particle-particle interactions primarily control their stabilization, formation, and rheological properties. While most studies have focused on spherical and smooth particles, particles with diverse characteristics could be used to tune the properties of such systems and could provide further insights into how particle properties influence their behavior. A more comprehensive understanding of different particle properties enables precise control and tailoring systems for specific applications, potentially leading to innovations in product formulation and processing techniques across multiple industries. The aim of this project was to gain more insight into how morphology, size, and surface characteristics of particles of biological origin affect three-phase systems. As particles, sporopollenin exine capsules extracted from Lycopodium clavatum spores were used to stabilize all-aqueous emulsions, while Lycopodium clavatum spores and Pine pollen to form capillary suspensions with different rheological properties.