Interactions between interfaces dictate stimuli-responsive emulsion behaviour

Marcel Rey (), Jannis Kolker, James A. Richards, Isha Malhotra, Thomas S. Glen, N. Y. Denise Li, Fraser H. J. Laidlaw, Damian Renggli, Jan Vermant, Andrew B. Schofield, Syuji Fujii, Hartmut Löwen and Paul S. Clegg
Additional contact information
Marcel Rey: The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
Jannis Kolker: Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf
James A. Richards: The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
Isha Malhotra: Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf
Thomas S. Glen: The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
N. Y. Denise Li: The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
Fraser H. J. Laidlaw: The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
Damian Renggli: ETH Zürich
Jan Vermant: ETH Zürich
Andrew B. Schofield: The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
Syuji Fujii: Osaka Institute of Technology, 5-16-1 Omiya, Asahi-ku
Hartmut Löwen: Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf
Paul S. Clegg: The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Stimuli-responsive emulsions offer a dual advantage, combining long-term storage with controlled release triggered by external cues such as pH or temperature changes. This study establishes that thermo-responsive emulsion behaviour is primarily determined by interactions between, rather than within, interfaces. Consequently, the stability of these emulsions is intricately tied to the nature of the stabilizing microgel particles - whether they are more polymeric or colloidal, and the morphology they assume at the liquid interface. The colloidal properties of the microgels provide the foundation for the long-term stability of Pickering emulsions. However, limited deformability can lead to non-responsive emulsions. Conversely, the polymeric properties of the microgels enable them to spread and flatten at the liquid interface, enabling stimuli-responsive behaviour. Furthermore, microgels shared between two emulsion droplets in flocculated emulsions facilitate stimuli-responsiveness, regardless of their internal architecture. This underscores the pivotal role of microgel morphology and the forces they exert on liquid interfaces in the control and design of stimuli-responsive emulsions and interfaces.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42379-z

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