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Published on: August 28, 2017
Engineering pH-Responsive High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Copolymer Nanoparticle-Lipase
Xinyi Wu1, Siqi Zhu1, Siqi Zheng1
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou Jiangsu Province 213164, China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|June 16, 2026
Summary
A novel enzymatic microreactor using pH-responsive high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) was developed. This recyclable system demonstrates efficient green synthesis and easy product separation, highlighting its sustainable potential.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry and Engineering
- Materials Science
- Biocatalysis
Background:
- Sustainable enzymatic microreactors are crucial for green synthesis.
- Developing recyclable and responsive systems remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a pH-responsive and recyclable enzymatic microreactor.
- To utilize high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) for enhanced catalytic efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized amine-functionalized diblock copolymer nanoparticles via RAFT polymerization.
- Formed oil-in-water HIPPEs using nanoparticle/lipase complexes as emulsifiers.
- Investigated pH-triggered emulsification/demulsification and catalytic esterification.
Main Results:
- HIPPEs exhibited reversible pH-responsive emulsification/demulsification.
- The microreactor showed high catalytic efficiency in esterification due to large interfacial area.
- Efficient product separation and catalyst recycling were achieved via pH-triggered demulsification.
Conclusions:
- The developed HIPPE-based enzymatic microreactor offers a sustainable and efficient platform for green synthesis.
- The system's recyclability and responsiveness demonstrate significant potential for practical applications.
