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Updated: May 19, 2026

Double Emulsion Generation Using a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Co-axial Flow Focus Device
Published on: December 25, 2015
A one-step process for oil-in-water-in-oil double emulsion formation using a single surfactant
Mamata Pradhan1, Dérick Rousseau
1Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
A one-step double emulsification protocol using one surfactant was developed for oil-in-water-in-oil (O(1)/W/O(2)) double emulsions. Two n-alkane oils and three different surfactants were studied, with focus placed on a formulation containing mineral oil, glycerol monoleate (GMO) and deionized water. Phenomenologically, double emulsion formation and stability originate from the combined actions of phase inversion and interfacial charging of the oil/water interface during high shear homogenization. Based on the extent of double emulsion formation and stability, a critical emulsification zone dependent on the weight ratios of GMO to water was identified. Within this critical zone, enhanced O(1)/W/O(2) emulsion formation occurred at higher pH and lower salt concentrations, demonstrating the key role of interfacial charging on double emulsification. Overall, this novel approach provides a novel platform for the development of double emulsions with simple compositions and processing requirements.
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