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Mixed surfactants for stabilizing and controlling water transport in double emulsions.
Eunseo Kim1, Jongsun Yoon1, Jong Dae Jang2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
Science Advances
|June 27, 2025
Summary
This study enhances double emulsion stability and controls water transport using mixed surfactants. Polymeric surfactants improve stability, while monomeric surfactants tune water permeability for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Double emulsions offer potential as microcompartments but suffer from instability and uncontrolled water transport.
- Optimizing surfactant systems is crucial for overcoming these limitations in double emulsion applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare stable double emulsions with tunable water transport using mixed surfactant systems.
- To elucidate the mechanisms governing water transport and emulsion stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized droplet microfluidics for precise double emulsion fabrication.
- Employed mixed monomeric and polymeric surfactant systems for stabilization.
- Conducted swelling kinetics experiments and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) analysis.
Main Results:
- Polymeric surfactants enhanced emulsion stability by inhibiting oil shell drainage.
- Monomeric surfactants increased water transport above a critical concentration, affecting emulsion lifespan.
- Small-angle neutron scattering revealed interface-controlled water transport via reverse micelle solubilization.
Conclusions:
- Mixed surfactant systems enable the design of double emulsions with enhanced stability and tunable water transport.
- Findings provide insights for optimizing double emulsions in food, cosmetics, and drug delivery.
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