title: Stable emulsions formed by self-assembly of interfacial networks of dipeptide derivatives.
abstract: We demonstrate the use of dipeptide amphiphiles that, by hand shaking of a biphasic solvent system for a few seconds, form emulsions that remain stable for months through the formation of nanofibrous networks at the organic/aqueous interface. Unlike absorption of traditional surfactants, the interfacial networks form by self-assembly through π-stacking interactions and hydrogen bonding. Altering the dipeptide sequence has a dramatic effect on the properties of the emulsions formed, illustrating the possibility of tuning emulsion properties by chemical design. The systems provide superior long-term stability toward temperature and salts compared to with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and can be enzymatically disassembled causing on-demand demulsification under mild conditions. The interfacial networks facilitate highly tunable and stable encapsulation and compartmentalization with potential applications in cosmetics, therapeutics, and food industry.
authors.forename: Shuo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Charalampos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pappas
authors.forename: Sisir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Debnath
authors.forename: Pim W J M
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Frederix
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leckie
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.forename: Rein V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Ulijn
mesh_terms: D002725:Chloroform / Q000737:chemistry; D004151:Dipeptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D004655:Emulsions; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D006868:Hydrolysis; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004151:Dipeptides; D004655:Emulsions; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D002725:Chloroform