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Ji Y, Zheng J, Geng Z, Wang X, Hou Y, Tian J, Hu J, Zhang Y, Zhang L. Fluorocarbon Nanodroplets: Their Formation and Stability in Complex Solution Systems. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:9108-9119. [PMID: 38632937 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanodroplets (NDs) are expanding in a wide range of applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology. Their efficacy in biological systems is significantly influenced by their size uniformity and stability within bioelectrolyte contexts. Presently, methods for creating monodisperse, highly concentrated, and well-stabilized PFC NDs under harsh conditions using low energy consumption methods have not been thoroughly developed, and their stability has not been sufficiently explored. This gap restricts their applicability for advanced medical interventions in tissues with high pH levels and various electrolytic conditions. To tackle these challenges and to circumvent potential toxicity from surface stabilizers, we have conducted an in-depth investigation into the formation and stability of uncoated perfluorohexane (PFH) NDs, which were synthesized by using a low-energy consumption solvent exchange technique, across complex electrolyte compositions or a broad spectrum of pH levels. The results indicated that low concentrations of low-valent electrolyte ions facilitate the nucleation of NDs and consistently accelerate Ostwald ripening over an extended period. Conversely, high concentrations of highly valent electrolyte ions inhibit nucleation and decelerate the ripening process over time. Given the similarities between the properties of NDs and nanobubbles, we propose a potential stabilization mechanism. Electrolytes influence the Ostwald ripening of NDs by adjusting the adsorption and distribution of ions on the NDs' surface, modifying the thickness of the electric double layer, and fine-tuning the energy barrier between droplets. These insights enable precise control over the stability of PFC NDs through the meticulous adjustment of the surrounding electrolyte composition. This offers an effective preparation method and a theoretical foundation for employing bare PFC NDs in physiological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Ji
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhanli Geng
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive and Highly Efficient Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Chemistry of Salt Lakes, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
| | - Xingya Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yangqian Hou
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiakun Tian
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- Institute of Materiobiology, College of Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Xiangfu Laboratory, Jiashan 314102, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Guo K, Liu X, Du L, Lü Y, Luo X, Ling X. Electrocoalescence Behavior of Droplets Dispersed with Na 2CO 3 in Oil under the Electromagnetic Synergy Field. J Phys Chem B 2023. [PMID: 37311091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c01217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Electromagnetic synergy is a more effective physical method than a single AC electric field (ACEF) to enhance oil-water separation. However, the electrocoalescence behavior of droplets dispersed with salt ions in oil under the synergistic electromagnetic field (EMSF) still lacks research. Herein, the evolution coefficient of liquid bridge diameter (C1) characterizes the growth rate of the liquid bridge diameter, a series of Na2CO3-dispersed droplets with different ionic strengths were prepared, and C1 values of droplets under ACEF and EMSF were compared. Micro high-speed experiments revealed that C1 under ACEF is larger than C1 under EMSF. In particular, when σ = 100 μS·cm-1and E = 629.73 kV·m-1, C1 under the ACEF is 15% larger than C1 under EMSF. Additionally, the theory of ion enrichment is put forward, which explains the influence of salt ions on ζ potential and total surface potential in EMSF. This study provides guidance for designing high-performance devices by introducing electromagnetic synergy in water-in-oil emulsion treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Guo
- College of Petrochemical Technology, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Xiaoya Liu
- College of Petrochemical Technology, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Ling Du
- College of Petrochemical Technology, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Yuling Lü
- College of Pipeline and Civil Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Luo
- College of Pipeline and Civil Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Xiao Ling
- College of Petrochemical Technology, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
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Impact of buffer composition on biochemical, morphological and mechanical parameters: A tare before dielectrophoretic cell separation and isolation. Transl Oncol 2022; 28:101599. [PMID: 36516639 PMCID: PMC9764254 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) represents an electrokinetic approach for discriminating and separating suspended cells based on their intrinsic dielectric characteristics without the need for labeling procedure. A good practice, beyond the physical and engineering components, is the selection of a buffer that does not hinder cellular and biochemical parameters as well as cell recovery. In the present work the impact of four buffers on biochemical, morphological, and mechanical parameters was evaluated in two different cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and K562). Specifically, MTT ([3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]) assay along with flow cytometry analysis were used to evaluate the occurring changes in terms of cell viability, morphology, and granulocyte stress formation, all factors directly influencing DEP sorting capability. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was instead employed to evaluate the gene expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), two well-known markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, respectively. An additional marker representing an index of cellular metabolic status, i.e. the expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, was also evaluated. Among the four buffers considered, two resulted satisfactory in terms of cell viability and growth recovery (24 h), with no significant changes in cell morphology for up to 1 h in suspension. Of note, gene expression analysis showed that in both cell lines the apparently non-cytotoxic buffers significantly modulated IL-6, iNOS, and GAPDH markers, underlining the importance to deeply investigate the molecular and biochemical changes occurring during the analysis, even at apparently non-toxic conditions. The selection of a useful buffer for the separation and analysis of cells without labeling procedures, preserving cell status, represents a key factor for DEP analysis, giving the opportunity to further use cells for additional analysis.
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Wang Y, Li S, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Yuan S, Wang D. Effect of electric field on coalescence of an oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by surfactant: a molecular dynamics study. RSC Adv 2022; 12:30658-30669. [PMID: 36337949 PMCID: PMC9597590 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra04731d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The microscopic understanding of electrocoalescence of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions stabilized by surfactant is very important to improve the efficiency of electrical demulsification. The behaviors of the coalescence of O/W emulsion stabilized by surfactant in the presence of a direct electric field and a pulsed electric field were explored by nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. According to the simulated results, an electrical method is feasible to demulsify an O/W emulsion stabilized by a surfactant. The configuration and movement of the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were determined by interactions between SDS molecules themselves and between SDS and oil/water molecules along with the force exerted by the applied electrical field. Two droplets will coalesce into one when the strength of the electric field exceeds 0.4 V nm-1. The SDS group can be broken up by an electric field larger than 0.6 V nm-1. The point when interaction energy between the hexadecane molecules of the two droplets begins to decrease from zero is consistent with the time when the two oil droplets came in contact. The coalescence process can be completed if the two droplets have begun to coalesce, even after the electric field was removed. Otherwise, the coalescence process cannot be completed. To enhance the efficiency of the electrocoalescence of O/W emulsions, strength, frequency and duty ratio of the electric field have to be optimized according to the properties of the emulsion. This research will help us to figure out how electric fields promote the efficiency of electrocoalescence of O/W emulsions with surfactant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudou Wang
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 China
| | - Shiyan Li
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 China
| | - Yuanwu Zhang
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 China
| | - Zhenlei Zhang
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 China
| | - Shundong Yuan
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 China
| | - Diansheng Wang
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 China
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Li S, Yuan S, Zhang Y, Guo H, Liu S, Wang D, Wang Y. Molecular Dynamics Study on the Demulsification Mechanism of Water-In-Oil Emulsion with SDS Surfactant under a DC Electric Field. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:12717-12730. [PMID: 36197725 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Application of an electric field is an effective demulsification method for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. For the W/O emulsions stabilized by anionic surfactants, the microscopic demulsification mechanism is still not very clear. In this work, the coalescence behavior of two droplets stabilized by the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the oil phase under a DC electric field is investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. The effects of electric field strength and oil type on the electrocoalescence of two water droplets are mainly considered. The trajectory snapshots and center of mass of the two water droplets suggest that there is almost no migratory coalescence. The movement of sodium ions and SDS, which is a combined effect of the electric field force and the resistance from the oil phase, is crucial for the deformation and connection of two water droplets. The results of mean square displacement, radial distribution function, hydration number, and interaction energies of Na+-H2O and SDS-H2O indicate that the sodium ion has a stronger ability to carry water molecules for movement than SDS. The stronger electric field strength will result in more severe deformation and shorter coalescence time. Under the higher electric field strength, the two droplets will be elongated into a slender water ribbon. By applying a pulsed DC electric field with suitable amplitude, frequency, and duty ratio, it is possible to achieve full coalescence for the ionic surfactant-stabilized W/O emulsions. The oil phase also plays an important role for the deformation of droplets and the migration of emulsion components. For the different oil phases, a longer time or stronger electric field strength would be needed for the electrocoalescence of droplets in the oil phase with higher density and viscosity. Our results are expected to be helpful for practical application in the petroleum industry and chemical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Li
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao266580, China
| | - Shundong Yuan
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao266580, China
| | - Yuanwu Zhang
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao266580, China
| | - Huiying Guo
- Research Institute of Experiment and Detection, Xinjiang Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Karamay834000, China
| | - Sai Liu
- Research Institute of Experiment and Detection, Xinjiang Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Karamay834000, China
| | - Diansheng Wang
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao266580, China
| | - Yudou Wang
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao266580, China
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Liu S, Yuan S, Zhang H. Molecular Dynamics Simulation for the Demulsification of O/W Emulsion under Pulsed Electric Field. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27082559. [PMID: 35458757 PMCID: PMC9029195 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A bidirectional pulsed electric field (BPEF) method is considered a simple and novel technique to demulsify O/W emulsions. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the transformation and aggregation behavior of oil droplets in O/W emulsion under BPEF. Then, the effect of surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) on the demulsification of O/W emulsion was investigated. The simulation results showed that the oil droplets transformed and moved along the direction of the electric field. SDS molecules can shorten the aggregation time of oil droplets in O/W emulsion. The electrostatic potential distribution on the surface of the oil droplet, the elongation length of the oil droplets, and the mean square displacement (MSD) of SDS and asphaltene molecules under an electric field were calculated to explain the aggregation of oil droplets under the simulated pulsed electric field. The simulation also showed that the two oil droplets with opposite charges have no obvious effect on the aggregation of the oil droplets. However, van der Waals interactions between oil droplets was the main factor in the aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.L.); (S.Y.)
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu Normal University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Shiling Yuan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.L.); (S.Y.)
| | - Heng Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.L.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Dehghanghadikolaei A, Shahbaznezhad M, Abdul Halim B, Sojoudi H. Contactless Method of Emulsion Formation Using Corona Discharge. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:7045-7056. [PMID: 35252695 PMCID: PMC8892634 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electroemulsification methods use electrohydrodynamic (EHD) forces to manipulate fluids and droplets for emulsion formation. Here, a top-down method is presented using a contactless corona discharge for simultaneous emulsion formation and its pumping/collection. The corona discharge forms using a sharp conductive electrode connected to a high-voltage source that ionizes water vapor droplets (formed by a humidifier) and creates an ionic wind (electroconvection), dragging them into an oil medium. The nonuniform electric field induced by the corona discharge also drives the motion of the oil medium via an EHD pumping effect utilizing a modulated bottom electrode geometry. By these two effects, this contactless method enables the immersion of the water droplets into the moving oil medium, continuously forming a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion. The impact of corona discharge voltage, vertical and horizontal distances between the two electrodes, and depth of the silicone oil on sizes of the formed emulsions is studied. This is a low-cost and contactless process enabling the continuous formation of the W/O emulsions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Dehghanghadikolaei
- Department of Mechanical,
Industrial, and Manufacturing, The University
of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43615, United States
| | - Mohcen Shahbaznezhad
- Department of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Science, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43615, United States
| | - Bilal Abdul Halim
- Department of Mechanical,
Industrial, and Manufacturing, The University
of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43615, United States
| | - Hossein Sojoudi
- Department of Mechanical,
Industrial, and Manufacturing, The University
of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43615, United States
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Wang Z, Li N, Sun Z, Wang X, Chen Q, Liu W, Qi Z, Wei L, Li B. Molecular dynamics study of droplet electrocoalescence in the oil phase and the gas phase. Sep Purif Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.119622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Zhang YR, Zhao Z, Luo KH, Shi B. Size effects on dynamics of nanodroplets in binary head-on collisions. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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10
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Effect of electric field strength on deformation and breakup behaviors of droplet in oil phase: A molecular dynamics study. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Chen Q, Lu K, Zhang Y, Qin D, Xu H, Yang C, He N. Effect of DC electric field on coalescence and breakup behaviors of binary emulsion nanodroplets. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.114939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Li N, Sun Z, Fan Y, Liu W, Guo Y, Li B, Wang Z. Understanding the breakup mechanism of a droplet under a DC electric field with molecular dynamics simulations and weak interaction analysis. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.114475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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