Preparation and Investigation of <scp>PVA</scp> /Collagen Pickering Emulsion Foams With <i>Juniperus phoenicea</i> (Andız) Essential Oil

ABSTRACT The incorporation of volatile essential oils into hydrophilic polymeric foams remains challenging because of their poor compatibility with aqueous matrices and susceptibility to evaporation. In this study, β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)‐stabilized Pickering emulsion templating was used to fabricate porous poly(vinyl alcohol)/collagen (PVA/COL) foams containing Juniperus phoenicea essential oil. A constant β‐CD content was maintained while the β‐CD/essential oil ratio was varied to assess its effects on foam morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity. Increasing essential oil content enlarged the average pore diameter from 67.5 ± 3.4 to 107.3 ± 5.3 μm while preserving interconnected porosity. FTIR analysis indicated non‐covalent essential oil incorporation without altering the PVA/COL chemical structure, and thermogravimetric analysis showed slightly improved thermal stability. The highest Young's modulus was obtained at a β‐CD/essential oil ratio of 1:2, whereas further oil addition did not improve mechanical performance. Antibacterial activity appeared only at the highest oil loading, producing inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . Overall, β‐CD‐stabilized Pickering emulsion templating offers an effective route for incorporating volatile essential oils into porous PVA/COL foams for potential wound dressing applications.