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Colloids and Interfaces
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Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces
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Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces

A special issue of Colloids and Interfaces (ISSN 2504-5377).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 8299

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Rajinder Pal

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Interests: rheology of complex fluids; composite nanomaterials; Pickering emulsions; soft matter; thermodynamics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and trends within the dynamic field of colloid and interface science.

Feature reviews dealing with the multifaceted aspects of colloidal systems and interfacial phenomena, encompassing self-assembling phenomena, rheology, fluid dynamics and multiphase flows, applications of colloids and interfaces across various disciplines, and new emerging directions in colloid and interface science, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Rajinder Pal
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Colloids and Interfaces is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • colloidal systems
  • interfacial properties
  • rheology
  • self-assembling phenomena
  • fluid dynamics and multiphase flows
  • applications of colloids and interfaces
  • new emerging directions in colloid and interface science

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Review

51 pages, 2357 KB  
Review
Gum Arabic Modification Routes for Food Colloids and Encapsulation: Structure–Property–Process Relationships and Engineering Trade-Offs
by Janaina Lima, Yasmin Diniz de Morais, Lidiane Fernandes, Rogério Andrade, Leonardo Batista, Ana M. Sarinho, Maria Eduarda Costa, Renata Duarte Almeida and Hugo M. Lisboa
Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10030037 - 29 Apr 2026
Abstract
Gum arabic (GA) is a widely used natural hydrocolloid in food processing because its protein–polysaccharide architecture combines high water solubility, low bulk viscosity, and useful interfacial activity. These attributes make GA valuable as an emulsifier, encapsulating agent, and film-forming material, but native GA [...] Read more.
Gum arabic (GA) is a widely used natural hydrocolloid in food processing because its protein–polysaccharide architecture combines high water solubility, low bulk viscosity, and useful interfacial activity. These attributes make GA valuable as an emulsifier, encapsulating agent, and film-forming material, but native GA is constrained by source-dependent heterogeneity, limited antioxidant functionality, relatively high dosage requirements in some emulsions, and modest barrier and mechanical performance in dried matrices. This review synthesizes recent advances in chemical functionalization, enzymatic and oxidative grafting, physical fractionation and complexation, and Maillard-type bioconjugation as routes to tailor GA for food engineering applications. Emphasis is placed on process-relevant structure–property relationships, including dynamic adsorption, interfacial rheology, emulsifying and encapsulation efficiency, bulk rheology, powder glass transition and hygroscopicity, film barrier behavior, and release kinetics. Across beverage emulsions, spray-dried powders, coacervates, coatings, and delivery systems, the evidence shows that modification must be selected according to the dominant process bottleneck, such as adsorption kinetics, oxidative stability, drying behavior, or humidity-sensitive matrix mobility. This review also identifies priorities for translation, including model-ready measurements, the management of raw-material variability, scale-up-aware processing, and sustainability and regulatory practicality. Overall, modified GA emerges as a versatile platform for designing more robust, application-specific food colloids, encapsulates, and functional coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces)
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74 pages, 13604 KB  
Review
Rheology of Non-Dilute Emulsions: A Comprehensive Review
by Rajinder Pal
Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020028 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 655
Abstract
Non-dilute emulsions are emulsions where the concentration of the droplets is high enough for the neighbouring droplets to interact with each other hydrodynamically but is still smaller than the packed bed concentration where the droplets are packed and deformed against each other. Thus, [...] Read more.
Non-dilute emulsions are emulsions where the concentration of the droplets is high enough for the neighbouring droplets to interact with each other hydrodynamically but is still smaller than the packed bed concentration where the droplets are packed and deformed against each other. Thus, they cover a broad range of droplet concentrations. Many emulsions encountered in industrial applications fall under this category. Non-dilute emulsions exhibit rich rheological behaviour, from a simple Newtonian fluid to a highly non-Newtonian fluid, reflecting shear-thinning, shear-thickening, yield stress, viscoelasticity, etc. In this article, the rheology of non-dilute emulsions is reviewed comprehensively. Emulsions of hard-sphere-type droplets and deformable droplets, with and without surfactants, are covered. The mathematical models describing the rheological behaviour of non-dilute emulsions are discussed. The influences of electric charge and interfacial rheology on the rheological behaviour of emulsions are covered in detail. The flocculation of droplets caused by different mechanisms, such as depletion and bridging induced by additives, and their effect on emulsion rheology are investigated thoroughly. Finally, the dynamic rheology of non-dilute emulsions is discussed, covering both pure oil–water interfaces and additive-laden interfaces. The mathematical models describing the dynamic rheological behaviour of non-dilute emulsions are described. Based on the existing theoretical and empirical models, it is possible to a priori predict the rheology of non-dilute emulsions. However, serious gaps in the existing knowledge on non-dilute emulsion rheology remain. This review identifies the gaps in existing knowledge and points out future directions in research related to non-dilute emulsion rheology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces)
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29 pages, 5336 KB  
Review
Lipid-Based Colloidal Nanocarriers for Site-Specific Drug Delivery
by Kamyar Shameli, Behnam Kalali, Hassan Moeini and Aras Kartouzian
Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10010007 - 4 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1954
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are now the go-to method for delivering genetic medicines, backed by real-world use in patients. Things like which fats they are made of, their shape at the molecular level, how ingredients mix, and how they are built, matter a lot. [...] Read more.
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are now the go-to method for delivering genetic medicines, backed by real-world use in patients. Things like which fats they are made of, their shape at the molecular level, how ingredients mix, and how they are built, matter a lot. This review attempts to take a close look at how different components, such as ionizable lipids, auxiliary lipids (DSPC, DOPE), cholesterol, and PEG-based lipids, affect the bioavailability of LNPs. It also focuses on key functions of LNPs, including packaging genetic material, escaping cellular traps, spreading in the body, and remaining active in the blood. New data show that lipids with the right handedness and highly sensitive chiroptical quality control can sharpen delivery accuracy and boost transport rates, turning stereochemistry into a practical design knob. Rather than simply listing results, we examine real-world examples that are already used to regulate gene expression, enhance mRNA expression, splenic targeting, and show great potential for gene repair, protein replacement, and DNA base-editing applications. Also, recent advances in AI-based designs for LNPs that take molecular shape into account and help speed up modifications to lipid arrangements and mixture configurations are highlighted. In summary, this paper presents a practical and scientific blueprint to support smarter production of advanced LNPs used in genetic medicine, addressing existing obstacles, balanced with future opportunities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces)
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15 pages, 1594 KB  
Review
Fabricating Partial Acylglycerols for Food Applications
by Harsh B. Jadhav, Dheeraj Kumar and Federico Casanova
Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(6), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9060080 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 784
Abstract
The functional characteristics of Partial acylglycerols (PAGs) have attracted the attention of researchers in designing PAGs for food applications as a potential substitute for conventional fats/oils. Designing PA using enzymes has been of great interest due to the greater specificity of enzymes, giving [...] Read more.
The functional characteristics of Partial acylglycerols (PAGs) have attracted the attention of researchers in designing PAGs for food applications as a potential substitute for conventional fats/oils. Designing PA using enzymes has been of great interest due to the greater specificity of enzymes, giving high-quality products for food applications. The utilization of PA in fat-based products, such as bakery, dairy, and emulsion foods, exhibits superior functionalities and health-friendly characteristics. The PA can also be used for cooking/frying applications. However, exposure of PA to a higher temperature for a longer time shows inferior characteristics. The functional characteristics of PA, such as solid fat content, rheology, microstructure, crystal formation, and thermal behavior, make it a potential replacement for conventional fat. The present review focuses on a comparative assessment of synthetic routes, the functional characteristics of PA, food applications, and technological drawbacks in commercializing PA-based products. Furthermore, the future prospect focuses on supporting future research that will facilitate the incorporation of PA in food products at an industrial scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces)
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27 pages, 1363 KB  
Review
Promising Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Melanoma Treatment
by Letícia Sias-Fonseca, Paulo C. Costa, Lucília Saraiva, Ana Alves and Maria Helena Amaral
Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9040053 - 20 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2609
Abstract
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer with high lethality and increasing incidence. Current treatments typically involve surgery as the first step, followed by adjuvant treatments, which are necessary in most cases. These adjuvant treatments may include radiotherapy, phototherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and combined [...] Read more.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer with high lethality and increasing incidence. Current treatments typically involve surgery as the first step, followed by adjuvant treatments, which are necessary in most cases. These adjuvant treatments may include radiotherapy, phototherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and combined therapies. However, patients with melanoma still face great difficulties, such as the inefficiency of therapies and serious side effects, in addition to uncomfortable scars. Most of these problems are related to limitations of antitumor therapies, such as the low bioavailability of drugs, degradation in biological fluids, rapid clearance, difficulty in reaching the tumors, the low capacity for accumulation and infiltration in tumor cells, toxicity to healthy cells, and systemic action. Thus, antitumor therapy for melanoma remains a challenge. In this line, nanotechnology has brought new perspectives and has been the subject of intensive research on the use of nanoparticles (liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, nanogels, and biomimetic nanoparticles, among others) as carriers for the controlled release of drugs and tumor diagnosis. This work outlines the main limitations of current melanoma therapies and explores how nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems can overcome these challenges, highlighting recent research and clinical developments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces)
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Graphical abstract

30 pages, 4213 KB  
Review
The Effect of Adsorption Phenomena on the Transport in Complex Electrolytes
by Ioulia Chikina, Michel Beaughon, Pierre Burckel, Emmanuelle Dubois, Ivan T. Lucas, Sawako Nakamae, Ozlem Sel, Hubert Perrot, Régine Perzynski, Thomas J. Salez, Blanca E. Torres-Bautista and Andrey Varlamov
Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(4), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9040044 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1258
Abstract
Over the last decade, numerous impedance studies of the conductivity of suspensions containing colloidal (dielectric, semiconducting or metallic) particles have often led to the conclusion that the well-known Maxwell theory is insufficient to quantitatively explain the properties of these systems. We review some [...] Read more.
Over the last decade, numerous impedance studies of the conductivity of suspensions containing colloidal (dielectric, semiconducting or metallic) particles have often led to the conclusion that the well-known Maxwell theory is insufficient to quantitatively explain the properties of these systems. We review some of the most characteristic results and show how the applicability of the Maxwell’s theory can be restored taking into account the adsorption phenomena occurring during AC impedance measurements in nanoparticle suspensions. The latter can drastically change the capacitance of the metal-electrolyte cell boundaries from the standard value, making it strongly dependent on the nanoparticle concentration. This factor significantly affects conductivity measurements through RC circuit characteristics. We present an analysis of available impedance measurement data of the dependence of conductivity on the nanoparticle concentration in this new paradigm. In order to emphasize the novelty and the acute sensitivity of ac-diagnosis to the presence of adsorption phenomena at the metal-electrolyte interface, direct adsorption determinations at such interfaces by using two modern experimental techniques are also presented. The main result of this work is the restoration of Maxwell’s theory, attributing the observed discrepancies to variations in cell conductance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces)
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