Interfacial structure in binary polymer emulsions: Probing formation and stabilization mechanisms with advanced in situ probes

IF 7.6 2区化学 Q1 CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL

Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science Pub Date : 2025-12-01 Epub Date: 2025-10-17 DOI:10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101969

Yuhui Zhao, Weiyi Zhang, Xue Zhao, Xinglian Xu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Monolayer emulsions inherently demonstrate limited stability, necessitating the strategic engineering of multilayer interfacial architectures to enhance their resistance to coalescence and aggregation. Binary polymer (BP)-stabilized emulsions demonstrate superior long-term stability, with specific systems (e.g., myofibrillar protein/chitosan composites) reaching interfacial pressures of ∼19.1 mN/m and dilatational moduli up to 50 mN/m. However, a systematic understanding of how diverse interfacial distribution modes (composite vs. bilayer) govern stability, and the application of advanced in situ probes to decipher these mechanisms, remains a significant research gap. This review critically examines fabrication strategies, applications of advanced in situ characterization methodologies, and persistent challenges associated with diversified interfacial distribution modes in BP emulsion systems. In composite interface emulsions, the interfacial layers are formed by covalently/non-covalently crosslinked BPs. We compare these emulsions to bilayer emulsions, formed by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly or an externally induced assembly protocol. Despite these advances, traditional characterization tools have inherent limitations in resolving complex BP interfacial structure. Modern in situ analytical techniques, such as multiple light scattering (MLS), bulk phase exchange method, diffusion wave spectroscopy (DWS) micro-rheology, front surface fluorescence spectroscopy (FSFS), 3D confocal laser scanning microscopy (3D-CLSM), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), and small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), offer transformative insights into BP emulsion interface dynamics and stability factors. Looking forward, research priorities should focus on developing mild, scalable, and controllable interface engineering protocols while advancing characterization paradigms to unlock the full potential of BP emulsion technologies across food industrial, pharmaceutical, and materials science applications, particularly in designing next-generation delivery systems and responsive materials.

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二元聚合物乳剂的界面结构：用先进的原位探针探测形成和稳定机制

单层乳剂固有地表现出有限的稳定性，需要多层界面结构的战略性工程来增强其抗聚结和聚集的能力。二元聚合物（BP）稳定的乳液表现出优异的长期稳定性，特定系统（例如，肌纤维蛋白/壳聚糖复合材料）的界面压力达到~ 19.1 mN/m，扩张模量高达50 mN/m。然而，系统地了解不同的界面分布模式（复合与双层）如何影响稳定性，以及应用先进的原位探针来破译这些机制，仍然是一个重大的研究空白。这篇综述严格审查了制造策略，先进的原位表征方法的应用，以及与BP乳液体系中不同界面分布模式相关的持续挑战。在复合界面乳剂中，界面层是由共价/非共价交联bp形成的。我们将这些乳剂与双层乳剂进行比较，双层乳剂由逐层（LbL）自组装或外部诱导组装协议形成。尽管取得了这些进展，但传统的表征工具在解析复杂BP界面结构方面存在固有的局限性。现代原位分析技术，如多重光散射（MLS）、体相交换法、扩散波光谱（DWS）微流变学、前表面荧光光谱（FSFS）、3D共聚焦激光扫描显微镜（3D- clsm）、低温透射电子显微镜（cro- tem）和小角度x射线/中子散射（SAXS/SANS），为BP乳化液界面动力学和稳定性因素提供了革命性的见解。展望未来，研究重点应集中在开发温和、可扩展和可控的界面工程协议，同时推进表征范式，以释放BP乳剂技术在食品工业、制药和材料科学应用中的全部潜力，特别是在设计下一代输送系统和响应材料方面。

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来源期刊

Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science 化学-物理化学

CiteScore

16.50

自引率

1.10%

发文量

审稿时长

11.3 weeks

期刊介绍： Current Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science (COCIS) is an international journal that focuses on the molecular and nanoscopic aspects of colloidal systems and interfaces in various scientific and technological fields. These include materials science, biologically-relevant systems, energy and environmental technologies, and industrial applications. Unlike primary journals, COCIS primarily serves as a guide for researchers, helping them navigate through the vast landscape of recently published literature. It critically analyzes the state of the art, identifies bottlenecks and unsolved issues, and proposes future developments. Moreover, COCIS emphasizes certain areas and papers that are considered particularly interesting and significant by the Editors and Section Editors. Its goal is to provide valuable insights and updates to the research community in these specialized areas.