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Direct formation of emulsions using water‐soluble porous polymers as sacrificial scaffolds
Author(s) -
Qian Lei,
Zhang Haifei
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.2458
Subject(s) - polymer , materials science , porosity , emulsion , chemical engineering , sonication , porous medium , dissolution , homogenization (climate) , composite material , biodiversity , ecology , engineering , biology
BACKGROUND: Emulsions are traditionally formed from two immiscible liquids by mechanical stirring, homogenization, or ultrasonication. For the use of emulsions, stability during storage and transport has been an issue which needs to be addressed. Here, a novel method is proposed to form emulsions instantly by hand shaking from porous polymeric materials. RESULTS: The porous materials were prepared by a freeze‐drying method and then soaked in an oil phase. The oil was absorbed into the micron‐sized pores. The oil‐soaked composites were then placed in water. The dissolution of polymer led to the formation of emulsions by gentle hand shaking within 2 min. Mineral oil, soy oil with drug molecules, and perfluorodecalin were tested as the model oil phases. In each case, stable emulsions with high ratios of oil to water were formed instantly. CONCLUSIONS: A novel route is reported to produce emulsions instantly by hand shaking from porous polymeric materials. Using this method, emulsions could be formed instantly on the site just before application, thus avoiding the cost and stability concerns during transport and storage of emulsions. The method also has the advantages of easy operation and scale‐up possibility. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry