Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are produced by sulfonic acid hydrolysis and used for the formation of Pickering emulsion (PE) with thyme white essential oil (EO). Highly volatile and hydrophobic thyme white is encapsulated in PE by the amphiphilicity of CNCs. Encapsulation of EO in a CNC shell is determined by confocal microscopy with distinct fluorescent labelling. The amount of CNC affects the size distribution of PE, and the emulsion stability is confirmed by rheological property. The antimicrobial activity of the emulsion is evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. The larvicidal activity is also investigated against Aedes albopictus by dispersing the emulsion in water.
Keywords: Pickering emulsion; biological activity; cellulose nanocrystal; thyme white essential oil.