Monodisperse gas-filled microparticles from reactions in double emulsions

Langmuir. 2012 May 1;28(17):6742-5. doi: 10.1021/la300915p. Epub 2012 Apr 20.

Abstract

We present a strategy for preparing size-controlled gas-filled microparticles using two aqueous components that chemically react to produce the gas. We use a dual-bore microfluidic device to isolate the reactants of two gas-producing reactions until they are encapsulated in the outer droplet. The reactants in the monodisperse droplets merge and produce the gas bubbles, which are stabilized with a surfactant and form the core of the microparticles. The number and size of the generated gas bubbles are governed by the gas-forming reaction used. Our versatile strategy can be applied to a wide range of gas-producing reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Emulsions
  • Gases / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
  • Microtechnology / methods*
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Gases
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Oxygen