Colloidosome with Variable Pore Size via Amphiphilic Nanoparticle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing soft template method for preparing colloidosomes faces challenges in controlling the shape, size, and uniformity of colloidosomes, as well as introducing functional materials, resulting in properties that are not comparable to those of colloidosomes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving amphiphilic composite nanoparticles is used, where nanoparticles are surface-modified and assembled in a water-oil emulsion to form micelles, followed by crosslinking, allowing for the control of pore size through concentration and packing arrangements, and the use of specific polymers and solvents to create colloidosomes with variable pore sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the soft template method is used to prepare colloidosomes, then the preparation process is simple, but the shape, size and uniformity of the prepared colloidosomes are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting multiple preparation parameters including nanoparticle concentration (0.1-10 mg/mL), crosslinking agent concentration (0.1-10 mM), pH value (3-9), and temperature (4-60°C) to precisely control colloidosome morphology, size distribution, and pore characteristics, transforming the simple soft template method into a controllable fabrication process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through surface modification of nanoparticles before assembly, where nanoparticles are pre-functionalized with amphiphilic polymers or surfactants to possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics. This preliminary functionalization enables controlled self-assembly at the oil-water interface and subsequent formation of uniform colloidosomes with defined structures
2Ease of manufacture
If the soft template method is used to prepare colloidosomes, then the preparation process is simple, but introduction of functional materials into cavities of the colloidosomes is more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the colloidosome structure into distinct functional zones: a porous shell layer for structural integrity and a hollow cavity for functional material encapsulation. This segmented architecture, achieved through controlled self-assembly of amphiphilic nanoparticles at emulsion interfaces, enables independent optimization of shell properties and cavity functionality, facilitating easy introduction of functional materials into the cavity space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses amphiphilic polymers and surfactants as intermediaries that mediate between the inorganic nanoparticle core and the organic functional materials to be encapsulated. These intermediary molecules provide both structural support and functional interfaces, enabling the integration of diverse functional materials (proteins, drugs, dyes) into the colloidosome cavity while maintaining structural stability
3Manufacturing precision
If nanoparticles are stacked in the form of hexagonal close packing, then the colloidosome has a minimum pore size, but the pore area is limited to (0.03-0.05)×d2 nm2
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a tunable pore size system where the pore diameter can be dynamically adjusted from minimum (0.03-0.05)×d2 nm2 in hexagonal close packing to larger sizes by modifying nanoparticle concentration, packing arrangement, and assembly conditions. This dynamic control allows the same colloidosome system to adapt pore sizes to different application requirements, transforming fixed-structure packing into a versatile platform
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 method enables the production of colloidosomes with a minimum pore size of 0.04*d2 nm2, providing a microcapsule structure suitable for transmission in media, with a hydrophobic polymer chain that can contract and extend to block or expose pores in different environments.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting amphiphilic composite nanoparticles to water-oil two-phase emulsion and assembly at an interface to obtain a micelle
Implementation Method 2
performing emulsification to obtain a uniform oil-in-water emulsion
Implementation Method 3
performing crosslinking with a glutaraldehyde aqueous solution, where the mass ratio of the added glutaraldehyde aqueous solution to the single-chain nanoparticles is (1.2-1.5):1; and after a dynamic Schiff base bond is formed in a reaction at room temperature for 4-6 h
Implementation Method 4
slowly adding the active polymer chain solution prepared in step (2) into the modified nanoparticle dispersion solution under ultrasonic conditions, where the volume-mass ratio of the added active polymer chain solution to the modified nanoparticles is (0.9-1) mL:(0.9-1) mg; and performing ultrasonic treatment continuously to carry out a reaction for 0.8-1.5 h
Implementation Method 5
subjecting inorganic nanoparticles with a diameter or an equivalent diameter of 10-150 nm to surface modification by a silane ligand exchange method to enable surfaces of the inorganic nanoparticles modified with amino and/or carboxyl
Implementation Method 6
performing reduction with sodium borohydride to obtain the colloidosome with a variable pore size, where the mass ratio of the added sodium borohydride to the glutaraldehyde aqueous solution is (0.5-1):1
Data Source
AI summary
A colloidosome with a variable pore size and a preparation method thereof are provided. The preparation method includes the steps of modification of nanoparticles, preparation of amphiphilic nanoparticles, preparation of a colloidosome with a variable pore size and the like. Through specific setting of each step, the finally prepared colloidosome is stable and has a variable pore size, and a hydrophobic polymer chain in a cavity of the colloidosome has corresponding contraction and extension forms in different medium environments, such as water and oil, to block or expose pores, so as to meet application requirements for transmission in selective media.