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Exploring the stability of single emulsion created by microfluidics and its use in the production of core–shell microparticles

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Abstract

This study introduces an innovative method aimed at achieving exceptional stability in emulsions. The primary focus is on re-emulsifying precisely controlled and uniform initial single emulsions, generated by microfluidic devices, to produce single-core double emulsions and core–shell microparticles. Departing from traditional approaches, our method employs a unique combination of advanced Two-level fractional factorial design and numerical simulation. These tools are utilized to discern and optimize critical parameters necessary for the formation of highly monodispersed stable single emulsions and their subsequent transformation into double emulsions. Correlations are established to estimate the size and stability of the primary single emulsion based on immiscible phase flow rate ratio and surfactant concentration. These correlations provide a comprehensive understanding that facilitates the intentional development of desired water-in-oil emulsions. The proposed microfluidic paradigm shows promise for the controlled and efficient production of single-core double emulsions, with broad applications in Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Cosmetics.

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Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Mehrnaz Oveysi, Vahid Bazargan & Amir Nejat

  2. Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Marco Marengo

Authors
  1. Mehrnaz Oveysi
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  2. Vahid Bazargan
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  3. Amir Nejat
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  4. Marco Marengo
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Contributions

MO: conceptualization; data curation; formal analysis; investigation; methodology; validation; visualization; writing/original draft preparation; writing/review and editing. VB: conceptualization; methodology; project administration; supervision; writing/review and editing. AN: methodology; project administration; supervision; writing/review and editing. MM: project administration; supervision.

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Correspondence to Vahid Bazargan.

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Oveysi, M., Bazargan, V., Nejat, A. et al. Exploring the stability of single emulsion created by microfluidics and its use in the production of core–shell microparticles. Microfluid Nanofluid 28, 28 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-024-02723-1

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