Covalently Linked Emulsion Material for Stable Aqueous Gels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-based gels with a three-dimensional network formed by non-covalent interactions are relatively fluid, fail to maintain shape, and disintegrate quickly in aqueous phases, limiting their applications due to high dispersed phase proportions and instability in physiological fluids.
Innovation Solution
A water-based material with a continuous aqueous phase and covalently linked droplets, comprising a phospholipid, solubilizing lipid, co-surfactant, and surfactant of specific formula (I), which maintains shape and resists dilution, ensuring stability and cohesion through covalent bonds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-covalent interactions are used to form the three-dimensional network, then the gel is relatively fluid and easy to shape, but it does not maintain its form and disintegrates rapidly in aqueous phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding parameter from non-covalent to covalent interactions between droplets, transforming the gel's fundamental structure. This covalent bonding provides stable, irreversible connections that maintain the gel's three-dimensional network and shape in aqueous environments, resolving the contradiction between ease of shaping and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where droplets are covalently bonded to form a hybrid material combining liquid crystalline phases with polymeric networks. This composite approach integrates the fluidity of liquid crystals with the structural stability of covalently bonded polymers, achieving both ease of shaping and reliability in aqueous phases.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high proportions of dispersed phase are used, then the gel structure can be formed, but the applications are limited due to instability and fluidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding parameter from non-covalent to covalent interactions, which fundamentally alters the gel's stability profile. Covalent bonds provide irreversible, stable connections that maintain the gel structure while enabling new applications in aqueous environments where previous gels failed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the unstable, short-lived non-covalent gel structures with stable, long-lasting covalently bonded networks. This transition creates durable materials that maintain their composition and structure over time, expanding application possibilities beyond the limited lifespan of conventional gels.
3Shape
If covalent bonds are used to link droplets, then the material maintains shape and resists dilution, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates reactive functional groups into the surfactant molecules during the preliminary formulation stage. These pre-installed functional groups are designed to form covalent bonds under specific triggering conditions (light, heat, pH), allowing the gel structure to self-assemble with covalent crosslinking without requiring complex post-processing manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition mechanisms where the covalent bonding process is triggered by external stimuli such as light irradiation or temperature changes. This allows the material to transition from a liquid precursor state to a gel state with covalently bonded droplets, simplifying manufacturing by using natural phase transitions rather than complex processing equipment.
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
The material maintains shape and stability in aqueous environments, enabling diverse applications by providing strong cohesion between droplets, thus overcoming the limitations of previous gel technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The droplets of the dispersed phase being covalently linked together by the surfactant of formula (I)
Implementation Method 2
an oil, and a surfactant of the following formula (I)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a material including a continuous aqueous phase and a dispersed phase in the form of droplets including an amphiphilic lipid and a surfactant having the following formula (I): (L1-X1-H1-Y1)v-G-(Y2-H2-X2-L2)w (I), where: L1 and L2 are independently lipophilic groups; X1, X2, Y1, Y2 and G are independently a linkage group; H1 and H2 are independently hydrophilic groups including a polyalkoxylated chain; and v and w are independently an integer from 1 to 8, wherein the droplets of the dispersed phase are covalently bonded by the surfactant of formula (I), the invention also relating to the method for preparing same and to the uses thereof.