Abstract
<jats:p>The manipulation of liquid–liquid interfaces through supramolecular approaches offers new avenues for enhancing emulsion properties that surpass those achieved with traditional surfactants. Here we report a supramolecular strategy for the manipulation and stabilising oil-water interfaces using a nanoion composed of oil soluble cyclohexano-hemicucurbit[8]uril (HC) and a water soluble PF₆⁻ salt. Our data suggest that this complex forms at the surface of triglyceride emulsion droplets in the presence of steroidal surfactant e.g. sodium taurodeoxycholate (TDC). We demonstrate that the HC nanoion significantly reorganizes oil-water interface, enabling the rapid formation of monodisperse tributyrin nanoemulsion with an average droplet diameter of approximately 150 nm. In the absence of the HC nanoion, TDC-stabilised triglyceride droplets undergo coalescence within one day, whereas nanoion-containing emulsions remain stable for at least six months. . Furthermore, the nanoion confers biological functionality to the droplets, allowing for the inhibition of human pancreatic enzyme, a crucial factor in reducing body weight and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. Our findings demonstrate the potential of interfacial supramolecular chemistry in developing dual-function emulsifiers that combine robust colloidal stability with significant biological activity.</jats:p>