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The role of silica nanoparticles on long‐term room‐temperature stabilization of water‐in‐oil emulsions containing microalgae
Author(s) -
Fernández L.,
Scher H.,
VanderGheynst J.S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/lam.12494
Subject(s) - emulsion , nanoparticle , chemical engineering , materials science , enhanced oil recovery , rheology , nanotechnology , environmental science , chromatography , chemistry , composite material , engineering
Prior research has demonstrated that microalgae can be stored for extended periods of time at room temperature in water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions stabilized by surface modified silica nanoparticles. However, little research has been done to examine the impact of nanoparticle concentration on emulsion stability. Such information is important for large‐scale production of emulsions for microalgae storage and delivery. Studies were done to examine the impact of silica nanoparticle concentration on emulsion stability and identify the lower limit for nanoparticle concentration. Emulsion physical stability was determined using internal phase droplet size measurements and biological stability was evaluated using cell density measurements. The results demonstrate that nanoparticle concentrations as low as 0·5wt% in the oil phase can be used without significant losses in emulsion stability and microalgae viability. Significance and Impact of the Study Stabilization technologies are needed for long‐term storage and application of microalgae in agricultural‐scale systems. While prior work has demonstrated that water‐in‐oil emulsions containing silica nanoparticles offer a promising solution for long‐term microalgae storage at room temperature, little research has been done to examine the impact of nanoparticle concentration on emulsion stability. Here, we show the effects of silica nanoparticle concentration on maintaining physical stability of emulsions and sustaining viable cells. The results enable informed decisions to be made regarding production of emulsions containing silica nanoparticles and associated impacts on stabilization of microalgae.