BACKGROUND
Traditional methods for creating stable emulsions often require high concentrations of surfactants and solid particles, making the process costly and complex. Moreover, synthesizing stable nanoparticles typically involves multiple steps, including covalent linking with expensive crosslinkers and polymers, which can be inefficient and expensive. Many nanoparticles also struggle to maintain stability and uniform distribution in high-salt environments, which limits their effectiveness in various applications.
This new technology introduces polymer-coated nanoparticles, where a self-assembling polymer forms a cage-like structure around iron-containing metal oxide nanoparticles. This innovative approach allows for the creation of stable emulsions at significantly lower concentrations, simplifying the process and reducing costs. These nanoparticles remain stable and uniformly distributed even under high-salt conditions, making them highly effective for drug delivery, in situ or in vivo imaging, and enhanced oil recovery and catalysis. The technology’s competitive advantages include monodispersity, controllability, and shape stability, offering significant improvements over existing methods.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
- Drug delivery
- In situ or In vivo imaging
- Enhanced oil recovery
- Magnetic imaging
- Industrial catalysis
- Template for hydrogels and aerogels with novel structures and properties, e.g. anti-icing
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
- No surfactants required
- Simpler synthesis process
- Stability in high-salt conditions
- Emulsion stability
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
- Patent publications: US20240093005A1
- Journal Publications: hyperlink (manuscript in preparation)
- Researcher profile: Steven Bryant
- Lab website: Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
- Any other relevant resources: hyperlink