Stabilising hydrogels using dipeptides
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
For my project three dipeptides (a molecule containing two amino-acid residues) at a very low concentration (1 mM) are used to stabilise aqueous foams and emulsions. By dispersing the dipeptide in a basic solution, hydrogels can be formed via addition of an appropriate salt. These hydrogels can then be either aerated to form a foam, or emulsified by using different oils. By changing the physicochemical conditions of the dispersion phase, we study how to stabilise these systems for long periods of time.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509644/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1860286 | Studentship | EP/N509644/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2020 | Fernando Carbonell Avino |
| Description | We have been able to stabilise foams and emulsions for long periods of time by using a molecule that is cheap and easy to synthesize. Emulsions and foams are very important in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and coating industries. Investigating the mechanical properties of interfacial films, can reveal crucial information about the interfacial dynamics and structure's contribution to the bulk material properties. |
| Exploitation Route | Foams and emulsions are used in a wide range of industries. From oil recovery to personal-care products or coating of drugs to prevent dissolution or disintegration in the gastric environment. In my project I investigate air/water and organic/water interfaces that are responsible for maintaining the structure of colloidal mixtures. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |