Natural nanoparticle complexes at water-water interfaces
Han Wang,
Yi Lu,
Long Bai,
Mengqi Zhu,
Xiyue Liu,
Zhiguo Li,
Yang Liu,
Wei Li,
Shouxin Liu,
Siqi Huan (),
Chaoji Chen (),
Thomas P. Russell () and
Orlando J. Rojas ()
Additional contact information
Han Wang: Northeast Forestry University
Yi Lu: University of British Columbia
Long Bai: Northeast Forestry University
Mengqi Zhu: Northeast Forestry University
Xiyue Liu: Northeast Forestry University
Zhiguo Li: Northeast Forestry University
Yang Liu: Northeast Forestry University
Wei Li: Northeast Forestry University
Shouxin Liu: Northeast Forestry University
Siqi Huan: Northeast Forestry University
Chaoji Chen: Wuhan University
Thomas P. Russell: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Orlando J. Rojas: University of British Columbia
Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11
Abstract:
Abstract Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) with multifunctional attributes have significant promise as biomimetic materials, but current approaches do not harness their full potential. Here, we show that ATPSs can be stabilized to form microcapsules by the interfacial assembly of chitin nanofibers (ChNF) and rod-like cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The high structural stability of the ChNF/CNC complexes integrates permeability and transport across the membrane at the liquid/liquid interface. Driven by density and osmotic stress gradients, the microcapsules show switchable motility, including cyclic meniscus-climbing and subsurface transport. These observations demonstrate a self-regulating system with potential for cargo transfer, cell biomimicry, as well as ATPSs-based microreactors and microrobots.
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60587-7
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60587-7
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