Ternary eutectic solvents facilitate the production of well-dispersed chitin-glucan nanofibrils from shiitake mushrooms.

A group of ternary DES composited of lactic acid/propanedioic acid/choline chloride was synthesized for isolating chitin-glucan nanofibrils (NSh) with typical birefringence effect from shiitake. The composition ratio of the ternary DES was crucial, for which lactic acid/propanedioic acid/choline chloride with mole ratio of 40:4:2 (LP4C2) was found effective for isolating chitin nanofibrils from shiitake mushrooms, achieving an average fibril length of 1.39 μm and broad pH stability (pH 3-9). LP4C2-NSh was used to prepare high internal phase Pickering emulsion, reaching G' of 271.51 Pa and G″ of 31.81 Pa, indicating the structural integrity and enhanced mechanical stability. International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) levels were assessed for HIPPEs, aligning with the requirements of a grade 4 mucoid dysphagia diet, making them suitable for use as a paste for individuals with swallowing difficulties.