Cellulose-Based Pickering Emulsion-Templated Edible Oleofoam: A Novel Approach to Healthier Solid-Fat Replacers

As health concerns and regulatory pressures over saturated and trans fats grow, there is a growing need for healthier alternatives to traditional solid fats, such as butter and hydrogenated oils, that are still widely used in the food system. In this study, cellulose particle-based Pickering emulsio...

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Main Authors: Sang Min Lee, Su Jung Hong, Gye Hwa Shin, Jun Tae Kim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Gels
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/6/403
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author Sang Min Lee
Su Jung Hong
Gye Hwa Shin
Jun Tae Kim
author_facet Sang Min Lee
Su Jung Hong
Gye Hwa Shin
Jun Tae Kim
author_sort Sang Min Lee
collection DOAJ
description As health concerns and regulatory pressures over saturated and trans fats grow, there is a growing need for healthier alternatives to traditional solid fats, such as butter and hydrogenated oils, that are still widely used in the food system. In this study, cellulose particle-based Pickering emulsions (CP-PEs) were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose and ethylcellulose and then foamed to obtain edible oleofoams (CP-EOs) as a solid-fat replacer. The average size of CP-PE droplets without surfactant was 598 ± 69 nm, as confirmed by confocal and transmission electron microscopy. Foaming with citric acid/NaHCO<sub>3</sub> and structuring with ≥6% glyceryl monostearate resulted in CP-EOs with an overrun of 147 ± 4% and volumetric stability for 72 h. Micro-computed tomography showed a uniform microcellular network, while the rheological analysis showed solid-like behavior with a storage modulus higher than butter. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a melting enthalpy similar to unsalted butter (10.1 ± 0.9 J/g). These physicochemical properties demonstrate that CP-EOs can closely mimic the firmness, thermal profile, and mouth-feel of conventional solid fats and may provide a promising solid-fat replacer.
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spelling doaj-art-eec1c48cb6c645e9a61ba7d022ce5dcf2025-08-20T03:24:38ZengMDPI AGGels2310-28612025-05-0111640310.3390/gels11060403Cellulose-Based Pickering Emulsion-Templated Edible Oleofoam: A Novel Approach to Healthier Solid-Fat ReplacersSang Min Lee0Su Jung Hong1Gye Hwa Shin2Jun Tae Kim3Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Food and Nutrition, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 54150, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of KoreaAs health concerns and regulatory pressures over saturated and trans fats grow, there is a growing need for healthier alternatives to traditional solid fats, such as butter and hydrogenated oils, that are still widely used in the food system. In this study, cellulose particle-based Pickering emulsions (CP-PEs) were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose and ethylcellulose and then foamed to obtain edible oleofoams (CP-EOs) as a solid-fat replacer. The average size of CP-PE droplets without surfactant was 598 ± 69 nm, as confirmed by confocal and transmission electron microscopy. Foaming with citric acid/NaHCO<sub>3</sub> and structuring with ≥6% glyceryl monostearate resulted in CP-EOs with an overrun of 147 ± 4% and volumetric stability for 72 h. Micro-computed tomography showed a uniform microcellular network, while the rheological analysis showed solid-like behavior with a storage modulus higher than butter. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a melting enthalpy similar to unsalted butter (10.1 ± 0.9 J/g). These physicochemical properties demonstrate that CP-EOs can closely mimic the firmness, thermal profile, and mouth-feel of conventional solid fats and may provide a promising solid-fat replacer.https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/6/403Pickering emulsionsedible oleofoamssolid-fat replacerscellulose particlesoleogelation
spellingShingle Sang Min Lee
Su Jung Hong
Gye Hwa Shin
Jun Tae Kim
Cellulose-Based Pickering Emulsion-Templated Edible Oleofoam: A Novel Approach to Healthier Solid-Fat Replacers
Gels
Pickering emulsions
edible oleofoams
solid-fat replacers
cellulose particles
oleogelation
title Cellulose-Based Pickering Emulsion-Templated Edible Oleofoam: A Novel Approach to Healthier Solid-Fat Replacers
title_full Cellulose-Based Pickering Emulsion-Templated Edible Oleofoam: A Novel Approach to Healthier Solid-Fat Replacers
title_fullStr Cellulose-Based Pickering Emulsion-Templated Edible Oleofoam: A Novel Approach to Healthier Solid-Fat Replacers
title_full_unstemmed Cellulose-Based Pickering Emulsion-Templated Edible Oleofoam: A Novel Approach to Healthier Solid-Fat Replacers
title_short Cellulose-Based Pickering Emulsion-Templated Edible Oleofoam: A Novel Approach to Healthier Solid-Fat Replacers
title_sort cellulose based pickering emulsion templated edible oleofoam a novel approach to healthier solid fat replacers
topic Pickering emulsions
edible oleofoams
solid-fat replacers
cellulose particles
oleogelation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/6/403
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