Bibliometric mapping analysis of Pickering emulsion applied in 3D food printing

Abstract

Three-dimensional food printing (3DFP) can produce foods with tailored nutritional content, complex shapes and textures. This technology requires food formulations (food inks) with specific rheological properties. Pickering emulsions (PE) have gained attention due to their long-term stability and desirable printable properties, making them an excellent candidate for 3DFP. The purpose of this study is to use bibliometric analysis to identify the most important scientific research on PE used in 3DFP. This includes identifying key authors, countries and universities or institutions where the research was conducted, as well as the primary journals that provide information on this topic. Our study provides insight into the relevance of food ink properties for next-generation 3DFP and the main raw materials used for the development of PE. Out of the 28 original research articles analysed, only 10 countries have studied the application of PE for 3DFP. China and the United Kingdom have been the primary leaders in researching this topic. The Food Hydrocolloids Journal has been the main source of scientific information. The studies cited Pickering stabiliser particles, including soy protein isolate, microcrystalline cellulose and acetylated microcrystalline cellulose, as well as oil phases based on sunflower, canola, olive and soybean oils. High internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) have shown great thermal and conductive stability, making them a promising choice for 3DFP post-processing. Further studies should assess the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of the bioactive compounds that are encapsulated. It is also important to explore their potential use in real food systems and to integrate innovative packaging solutions.