Stablizing Liquid Drops ofof Arbitrary Shapes by the Interfacial Jamming of Nanoparticles

PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

• Liquid-in-liquid storage systems
• Reaction platforms
• Completely liquid microfluidic devices
• Delivery vehicles
• Separation media

PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

• Novel nanoparticle surfactant compositions
• Self-regulated, in situ generation of nanoparticle surfactant assemblies at the liquid-liquid interface
• Stable encapsulation of liquid drops of arbitrary shapes in a fluid medium
• Various nonequilibrium shapes of liquid drops obtainable through one or more deformation steps

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a method to arbitrarily control the shape of a liquid domain cladded with a protective coating within another liquid. The method enables the design of liquid-liquid systems for the long-term storage of solutions in a support medium or alternatively in a reactive environment. It also enables the generation of two-phased systems with an arbitrary, yet controlled morphology, or with with significantly amplified interfacial area. The method involves (1) the use of surface functionalized nanoparticles dispersed in one phase and end-functionalized polymers in a second phase to form nanoparticle surfactants through ligand interactions, and (2) the application followed by release of an external field to change and control the shape of liquid drops stabilized by the nanoparticle surfactants.

ABOUT THE INVENTOR

Dr. Thomas P. Russell is the Silvio O. Conte Distinguished Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

AVAILABILITY:

Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research

DOCKET:

UMA 14-017

PATENT STATUS:

US Patent Issued: US 9,878,296

NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE

LEAD INVENTOR:

Thomas P. Russell, Ph.D.

CONTACT:

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a method to arbitrarily control the shape of a liquid domain cladded with a protective coating within another liquid. The method enables the design of liquid-liquid systems for the long-term storage of solutions in a support medium or alternatively in a reactive environment. It also enables the generation of two-phased systems with an arbitrary, yet controlled morphology, or with with significantly amplified interfacial area. The method involves (1) the use of surface functionalized nanoparticles dispersed in one phase and end-functionalized polymers in a second phase to form nanoparticle surfactants through ligand interactions, and (2) the application followed by release of an external field to change and control the shape of liquid drops stabilized by the nanoparticle surfactants.