Crystal polymorphs as Pickering Emulsion stabilisers and novel stimuli-responsive delivery vehicles.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Chemical and Process Engineering
Abstract
The project will attempt to address the research question of how polymorphs of natural, biocompatible crystals can be used to sustainably deliver active ingredients and improve the stability of oil in water Pickering emulsions. The necessary aims to achieve such goal are:
Aim 1: to develop a mechanistic approach to understanding the relationship between the structure and surface chemistry of different polymorphs of organic crystals and their behaviour at liquid-liquid interfaces.
Aim 2: to evaluate the how different polymorphs of organic natural compounds can be used to design stimuli-responsive emulsions.
The objectives associated to each aim are:
Objective 1: Determine how the specific intermolecular interactions in organic crystal polymorphs, co-crystals or solvates affect particle surface chemistry and behaviour of the crystals at liquid-liquid interfaces.
0bjective 2: Determine how particles properties such as crystal structure, size and shape affect the emulsion stability.
Objective 3: Design formulations capable of solid form transformation-triggered release of encapsulated active ingredients.
The main goal of this project is to design novel, sustainable and stimuli-responsive formulations that can be used in agrochemical, food and pharmaceutical products. Additionally, the project will generate fundamental knowledge for the benefits of crystal engineers in the fields of material science, product/process design and biomineralization, to name a few. Such knowledge will enable rational design of new crystalline materials with targeted physical and chemical properties; it will also allow better understanding of real crystallization processes, taking place in complex media, such as food and agrochemical crystallization or the formation of bones and seashells. Such understanding will enable development of novel bio-inspired materials and design of industrial processes with higher productivity and yields.
Aim 1: to develop a mechanistic approach to understanding the relationship between the structure and surface chemistry of different polymorphs of organic crystals and their behaviour at liquid-liquid interfaces.
Aim 2: to evaluate the how different polymorphs of organic natural compounds can be used to design stimuli-responsive emulsions.
The objectives associated to each aim are:
Objective 1: Determine how the specific intermolecular interactions in organic crystal polymorphs, co-crystals or solvates affect particle surface chemistry and behaviour of the crystals at liquid-liquid interfaces.
0bjective 2: Determine how particles properties such as crystal structure, size and shape affect the emulsion stability.
Objective 3: Design formulations capable of solid form transformation-triggered release of encapsulated active ingredients.
The main goal of this project is to design novel, sustainable and stimuli-responsive formulations that can be used in agrochemical, food and pharmaceutical products. Additionally, the project will generate fundamental knowledge for the benefits of crystal engineers in the fields of material science, product/process design and biomineralization, to name a few. Such knowledge will enable rational design of new crystalline materials with targeted physical and chemical properties; it will also allow better understanding of real crystallization processes, taking place in complex media, such as food and agrochemical crystallization or the formation of bones and seashells. Such understanding will enable development of novel bio-inspired materials and design of industrial processes with higher productivity and yields.
Planned Impact
The CDT in Molecules to Product has the potential to make a real impact as a consequence of the transformative nature of the underpinning 'design and supply' paradigm. Through the exploitation of the generated scientific knowledge, a new approach to the product development lifecycle will be developed. This know-how will impact significantly on productivity, consistency and performance within the speciality chemicals, home and personal care (HPC), fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, and pharma/biopharma sectors.
UK manufacturing is facing a major challenge from competitor countries such as China that are not constrained by fixed manufacturing assets, consequently they can make products more efficiently and at significantly lower operational costs. For example, the biggest competition for some well recognised 'high-end' brands is from 'own-brand' products (simple formulations that are significantly cheaper). For UK companies to compete in the global market, there is a real need to differentiate themselves from the low-cost competition, hence the need for uncopiable or IP protected, enhanced product performance, higher productivity and greater consistency. The CDT is well placed to contribute to addressing this shift in focus though its research activities, with the PGR students serving as ambassadors for this change. The CDT will thus contribute to the sustainability of UK manufacturing and economic prosperity.
The route to ensuring industry will benefit from the 'paradigm' is through the PGR students who will be highly employable as a result of their unique skills-set. This is a result of the CDT research and training programme addressing a major gap identified by industry during the co-creation of the CDT. Resulting absorptive capacity is thus significant. In addition to their core skills, the PGR students will learn new ones enabling them to work across disciplinary boundaries with a detailed understanding of the chemicals-continuum. Importantly, they will also be trained in innovation and enterprise enabling them to challenge the current status quo of 'development and manufacture' and become future leaders.
The outputs of the research projects will be collated into a structured database. This will significantly increase the impact and reach of the research, as well as ensuring the CDT outputs have a long-term transformative effect. Through this route, the industrial partners will benefit from the knowledge generated from across the totality of the product development lifecycle. The database will additionally provide the foundations from which 'benchmark processes' are tackled demonstrating the benefits of the new approach to transitioning from molecules to product.
The impact of the CDT training will be significantly wider than the CDT itself. By offering modules as Continuing Professional Development courses to industry, current employees in chemical-related sectors will have the opportunity to up-skill in new and emerging areas. The modules will also be made available to other CDTs, will serve as part of company graduate programmes and contribute to further learning opportunities for those seeking professional accreditation as Chartered Chemical Engineers.
The CDT, through public engagement activities, will serve as a platform to raise awareness of the scientific and technical challenges that underpin many of the items they rely on in daily life. For example, fast moving consumer goods including laundry products, toiletries, greener herbicides, over-the-counter drugs and processed foods. Activities will include public debates and local and national STEM events. All events will have two-way engagement to encourage the general public to think what the research could mean for them. Additionally these activities will provide the opportunity to dispel the myths around STEM in terms of career opportunities and to promote it as an activity to be embraced by all thereby contributing to the ED&I agenda.
UK manufacturing is facing a major challenge from competitor countries such as China that are not constrained by fixed manufacturing assets, consequently they can make products more efficiently and at significantly lower operational costs. For example, the biggest competition for some well recognised 'high-end' brands is from 'own-brand' products (simple formulations that are significantly cheaper). For UK companies to compete in the global market, there is a real need to differentiate themselves from the low-cost competition, hence the need for uncopiable or IP protected, enhanced product performance, higher productivity and greater consistency. The CDT is well placed to contribute to addressing this shift in focus though its research activities, with the PGR students serving as ambassadors for this change. The CDT will thus contribute to the sustainability of UK manufacturing and economic prosperity.
The route to ensuring industry will benefit from the 'paradigm' is through the PGR students who will be highly employable as a result of their unique skills-set. This is a result of the CDT research and training programme addressing a major gap identified by industry during the co-creation of the CDT. Resulting absorptive capacity is thus significant. In addition to their core skills, the PGR students will learn new ones enabling them to work across disciplinary boundaries with a detailed understanding of the chemicals-continuum. Importantly, they will also be trained in innovation and enterprise enabling them to challenge the current status quo of 'development and manufacture' and become future leaders.
The outputs of the research projects will be collated into a structured database. This will significantly increase the impact and reach of the research, as well as ensuring the CDT outputs have a long-term transformative effect. Through this route, the industrial partners will benefit from the knowledge generated from across the totality of the product development lifecycle. The database will additionally provide the foundations from which 'benchmark processes' are tackled demonstrating the benefits of the new approach to transitioning from molecules to product.
The impact of the CDT training will be significantly wider than the CDT itself. By offering modules as Continuing Professional Development courses to industry, current employees in chemical-related sectors will have the opportunity to up-skill in new and emerging areas. The modules will also be made available to other CDTs, will serve as part of company graduate programmes and contribute to further learning opportunities for those seeking professional accreditation as Chartered Chemical Engineers.
The CDT, through public engagement activities, will serve as a platform to raise awareness of the scientific and technical challenges that underpin many of the items they rely on in daily life. For example, fast moving consumer goods including laundry products, toiletries, greener herbicides, over-the-counter drugs and processed foods. Activities will include public debates and local and national STEM events. All events will have two-way engagement to encourage the general public to think what the research could mean for them. Additionally these activities will provide the opportunity to dispel the myths around STEM in terms of career opportunities and to promote it as an activity to be embraced by all thereby contributing to the ED&I agenda.
