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Published on: June 8, 2016
Spatio-temporal control over destabilization of Pickering emulsions stabilized by light-sensitive dextran-based
Valentin Maingret1, Véronique Schmitt2, Valérie Héroguez3
1Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR 5031, Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, 115 avenue du Dr Albert Schweitzer, 33600 Pessac, France; Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5629, Bordeaux, 16 Avenue Pey-Berland, F-33607 Pessac, France.
We developed light-sensitive Pickering emulsions using biocompatible nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery. These emulsions destabilize with light, avoiding nanomaterial accumulation and offering new possibilities for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Light-sensitive Pickering emulsions are understudied, limiting their use in advanced applications.
- Biocompatibility and degradability of existing light-sensitive emulsions are poorly addressed.
- Developing responsive emulsions for applications like drug delivery remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel light-sensitive nanoparticles for stabilizing O/W Pickering emulsions.
- To investigate the spatio-temporal control of emulsion destabilization using light stimuli.
- To explore the potential of these emulsions in advanced applications, particularly in life sciences.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Poly(NitroBenzylAcrylate) grafted dextran (Dex-g-PNBA) nanoparticles.
- Stabilization of Oil-in-Water (O/W) Pickering emulsions using Dex-g-PNBA nanoparticles.
- Controlled destabilization of emulsions via UV (365 nm) and visible (405 nm) light irradiation.
- Investigation of pH influence on emulsion destabilization dynamics.
Main Results:
- Stable O/W Pickering emulsions were successfully prepared using Dex-g-PNBA nanoparticles.
- Emulsion destabilization was achieved with precise temporal and spatial control under light stimulus.
- Irradiation time and alkaline pH were identified as key factors controlling destabilization.
- Photolysis of nanoparticles under light stimulus mitigates concerns about nanomaterial accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Dex-g-PNBA nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for creating light-sensitive, biocompatible Pickering emulsions.
- The developed emulsions exhibit controlled destabilization, suitable for advanced applications.
- The use of both UV and visible light broadens the applicability, especially in life sciences.
