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Peptide surfactants (Pepfactants) for switchable foams and emulsions
Author(s) -
Malcolm Andrew S.,
Dexter Annette F.,
Middelberg Anton P. J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
asia‐pacific journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.348
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1932-2143
pISSN - 1932-2135
DOI - 10.1002/apj.66
Subject(s) - coalescence (physics) , emulsion , chemical engineering , adsorption , materials science , peptide , phase (matter) , ion , rheology , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , biochemistry , physics , astrobiology , engineering
We have developed a series of sustainable peptide surfactants (Pepfactants) capable of stabilizing foams and emulsions in a stimuli‐responsive manner, based on the reversible formation of a mechanically strong interfacial film. Under conditions where the interfacially adsorbed peptide forms a mechanically strong ‘film state’, foam or emulsion stabilization occurs as a direct result of the film strength. Under conditions where the interfacially adsorbed peptide forms a mobile ‘detergent state’, foam or emulsion stabilization is either reduced, or does not occur. Preformed foams or emulsions stabilized by Pepfactants undergo rapid phase coalescence when the film state is converted to the detergent state. Switching between film and detergent states is readily and reversibly achieved by a change in the bulk solution composition, such as a change in pH, or the addition or sequestering of metal ions. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.