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Generation of polymerosomes from double-emulsions
Elise Lorenceau1, Andrew S Utada, Darren R Link
1Department of Physics and Division of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|September 21, 2005
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to create polymer vesicles using double emulsions. This technique offers precise control over polymerosome formation and efficient encapsulation of active ingredients.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Diblock copolymers self-assemble into polymer vesicles.
- Conventional methods include film rehydration and electroformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a new, efficient method for generating polymer vesicles.
- Enable precise control over polymerosome assembly and encapsulation.
Main Methods:
- Formation of water-in-oil-in-water double emulsions using concentric fluid streams.
- Incorporation of diblock copolymers in a volatile organic solvent.
- Evaporation of the organic solvent to induce copolymer self-assembly into vesicles.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of polymer vesicles (polymersomes) from double emulsions.
- Demonstrated independent control over fluid streams for precision assembly.
- Achieved highly efficient encapsulation of active ingredients.
- Explored formation of novel polymerosome structures using multi-internal drop emulsions.
Conclusions:
- The double emulsion method provides a versatile and efficient route to polymer vesicles.
- This technique allows for tailored polymerosome structures and enhanced encapsulation.
- Offers a promising alternative to existing polymer vesicle fabrication methods.