Biopolymer Particle Preparation With Pre-Inversion Emulsion Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing biopolymer particles through membrane emulsification and phase inversion face issues of coalescence, aggregation, and deformation, leading to reduced yield and irregular particle size and shape.
Innovation Solution
Cooling the emulsion formed by membrane emulsification to a temperature T1, where T1 is greater than the pour point of the continuous phase and equal to or less than a transition temperature of the dispersed phase, followed by phase inversion with an anti-solvent, to prevent coalescence and aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If membrane emulsification is followed by phase inversion to form biopolymer particles, then particles can be produced, but coalescence and aggregation of particles occur leading to reduced yield
Solution Approach 1:
The emulsion is cooled to a temperature T1 below the transition temperature of the dispersed phase before phase inversion. This preliminary cooling action stabilizes the dispersed phase droplets by reducing their mobility and preventing coalescence during the subsequent phase inversion process, thereby improving particle yield and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter of the emulsion is changed by cooling it to T1 (where T1 ≤ Tdisp and T1 > Tcont). This parameter change modifies the physical state and stability characteristics of the dispersed phase, enabling controlled phase inversion without particle aggregation
2Productivity
If phase inversion is performed on the emulsion, then biopolymer particles are formed, but deformation of particles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling the emulsion to T1 before phase inversion creates a more stable dispersed phase that resists deformation during the inversion process. This preliminary stabilization action ensures that particles maintain their spherical shape and structural integrity while still forming efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the temperature parameter to T1, the emulsion achieves a state where the dispersed phase has reduced mobility and enhanced stability, allowing phase inversion to proceed with minimal particle deformation and maintained shape regularity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the emulsion is cooled to a low temperature, then particle coalescence is prevented, but the continuous phase may freeze
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature T1 is specifically selected to satisfy Tcont < T1 ≤ Tdisp. This parameter selection ensures that the dispersed phase is cooled enough to stabilize droplets and prevent coalescence, while the continuous phase remains above its freezing point and maintains liquid state for proper process operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves the yield and regularity of biopolymer particle size and shape by stabilizing the dispersed phase droplets, allowing for efficient formation of spherical particles.
Implementation Method 1
cooling of the emulsion to a temperature, T1, where T1 is greater than the pour point of the continuous phase (Tcont) but equal to or less than a transition temperature of the dispersed phase (Tdisp)
Implementation Method 2
a membrane emulsification of a dispersed phase into a continuous phase wherein the dispersed phase comprises the biopolymer in a solvent, and wherein passing the dispersed phase through the membrane forms an emulsion of the biopolymer in the continuous phase
Implementation Method 3
a phase inversion with an anti-solvent to form particles of the biopolymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for preparing biopolymer particles, said method comprising a membrane emulsification of a dispersed phase into a continuous phase wherein the dispersed phase comprises the biopolymer in a solvent, and wherein passing the dispersed phase through the membrane forms an emulsion of the biopolymer in the continuous phase; and a phase inversion with an anti-solvent to form particles of the biopolymer; wherein prior to (b), the emulsion is cooled to a temperature, T1. Also provided are biopolymer particles obtained from the method.