Shum H.C.
University of Hong Kong, HK
Keywords: colloidosomes, emulsions, microfluidics, polymersomes
We present an approach to fabricate capsules consisting of a composite layer of particles and block copolymers . The capsules are fabricated by the directed assembly of block copolymers at the interfaces of a double emulsion template and subsequently by the electrostatic adsorption of particles onto block copolymers. The solvent phase of the double emulsion is subsequently evaporated to yield polymersomes. The particles are locked together on the surface of the polymersomes. The resultant structures, which we call “colloido-polymersomes,” are hollow shells of a particle-coated thin polymer film where the particle density can be adjusted by varying the compositions of charged block copolymers and the amount of particles added. The approach provide a simple strategy for fabricating vesicles with a complex structure for encapsulation-related applications; by tuning the characteristics of the particles attached, the final vesicles can be used for attaching biomolecules and thus are useful for biomedical applications such as biosensing.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2011: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 147 - 150
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7138-6