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Emulsion Microgel Particles as High-Performance Bio-Lubricants.
Ophelie Torres1, Efren Andablo-Reyes1, Brent S Murray1
1Food Colloids and Processing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition , University of Leeds , Leeds , LS2 9JT , U.K.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 24, 2018
Summary
New starch-based emulsion microgels act as effective biolubricant additives. These particles offer tunable lubrication under physiological conditions, triggered by enzymes and shear, for soft matter applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Tribology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Starch-based microgels are investigated for lubrication properties.
- Emulsion microgels offer potential for enhanced performance.
- Understanding lubrication under physiological conditions is crucial for biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize starch-based emulsion microgels.
- To evaluate their lubrication performance under simulated physiological conditions.
- To elucidate the mechanism of lubrication enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of starch-based emulsion microgels with varying starch and oil content.
- Tribological testing using ball-on-disc configuration under simulated skin and oral conditions.
- Analysis using rheology, light scattering, and confocal fluorescence microscopy.
Main Results:
- Emulsion microgels demonstrated lower friction coefficients (μ ≤ 0.1) compared to plain microgels.
- Enzyme presence modulated lubrication performance based on oil content.
- Synergistic enzyme- and shear-triggered release of emulsion droplets improved lubrication.
- Optimal oil content (15 wt %) enabled lubrication similar to emulsion droplets (μ ≤ 0.03).
Conclusions:
- Starch-based emulsion microgels are novel biolubricant additives with stimuli-responsive properties.
- These particles provide efficient boundary lubrication for soft polymeric surfaces.
- They also function as effective delivery vehicles for oil-soluble ingredients.
- Emulsion microgels are multifunctional additives for soft matter applications requiring lubrication and controlled release.
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