Host-guest interfacial recognition of alginate-based β-cyclodextrin/dendrobine supra-amphiphiles reinforced the physicochemical stability and sustained-release properties of Pickering emulsions.

Achieving high bioavailability of dendrobine (DDB) necessitates the development of simplified available and efficient delivery systems. Pickering emulsions (PEs) derived from biomass represent a promising option. However, the physicochemical properties of PEs interfacial films were insufficient to prevent DDB leakage, thereby reducing bioavailability. Herein, a supramolecular host-guest interfacial recognition strategy was proposed in-situ between amphipathic sodium alginate-functionalized cyclodextrin (SAE-CD) and hydrophobic DDB at oil-water interface, further forming the SAE-based supra-amphiphiles to efficient stabilize the high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) with gel-like characteristics. A multiscale methodology was empolyed to investigate the interfacial assembly behavior and emulsification properties of supra-amphiphilic SAE-CD/DDB interfacial system, focusing on molecular interactions, interfacial adsorption, and overall stability. Notably, the SAE-CD/DDB-based supramolecular assembly/disassembly behaviors could be self-adjusted for regulating the aggregation particle size and thickness of interfacial self-assembled films. The SAE-CD/DDB co-stabilized HIPPEs exhibited favorable drug release capabilities, enabling sustained effects of DDB. Overall, the SAE-CD/DDB co-stabilized HIPPEs demonstrated excellent properties in terms of stability, drug loading capacity, and sustained release performance, highlighting their potential for in oral delivery and sustained-release systems.