Microfluidic Studies of Stimuli-Responsive Emulsions

Abstract:: We have developed a new class of peptide surfactants that can be reversibly switched at an interface between a film state having mechanical strength and a detergent state having none. This stimuli-responsive property can be used to reversibly coalesce a stable emulsion within seconds, by a change in bulk pH. This research will study and model the impact of these new surfactants on droplet disruption and coalescence, in microfluidic systems, leading to unique chemical and engineering control of emulsification. Outcomes will include the first understanding of the role of film strength in microfluidic emulsification, new quantitative design theories and correlations, and new precision emulsions for drug delivery.
Grant type:: ARC Discovery Projects
Funded by:: Australian Research Council

The University of Queensland