Emulsion Polymerization Using an Amphiphilic Oligoether Ionic Liquid as a Surfactant.

We investigate the use of an ionic liquid (IL) as a surfactant in emulsion polymerization (EP) reactions. ILs have been proposed as surfactants for micellar dispersions, emulsions, micro-emulsions and suspensions. Thus, it is important to acquire knowledge of the application of ILs in heterogeneous polymerizations. We selected the amphiphile cationic oligoether IoLiLyte C1EG™ as an IL for this purpose and compared its performance to that of the conventional surfactant dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) in the EP of methyl methacrylate and styrene. After we found the proper concentration range of the IL, this amphiphile showed similar polymerization rates to those observed with DTAB for both monomers. The evolution of monomer conversion and the final average diameter of formed polymeric particles were similar for both evaluated surfactants, demonstrating their capability to stabilize the EPs of the investigated monomers. We simulated the evolution of monomer conversion and particle size using a conventional model for emulsion polymerization, which showed good agreement with the experimental data, suggesting that the EP with this IL follows Smith-Ewart kinetics.

Gemini and Bicephalous Surfactants: A Review on Their Synthesis, Micelle Formation, and Uses.

The use of surfactants in polymerization reactions is particularly important, mainly in emulsion polymerizations. Further, micelles from biocompatible surfactants find use in pharmaceutical dosage forms. This paper reviews recent developments in the synthesis of novel gemini and bicephalous surfactants, micelle formation, and their applications in polymer and nanoparticle synthesis, oil recovery, catalysis, corrosion, protein binding, and biomedical area, particularly in drug delivery.

Chitosan microparticles as entrapment system for trans- cinnamaldehyde: Synthesis, drug loading, and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation.

The ionic gelation method was used to study the effect of the crosslinking agent, sodium tripolyphosphate on average particle size (Dp) and zeta potential (ζp) of chitosan microparticles (CSMP) unloaded and loaded with trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCIN). The obtained values of Dp and ζp trend as 117.6 ±â€¯0.4 ≤ Dp ≤ 478.5 ±â€¯3.5 nm and +27.8 ±â€¯1.3 ≤ ζp ≤ +103.5 ±â€¯4.2 mV, respectively. The entrapment efficiency of TCIN in CSMP was 9.1 ±â€¯2.0% and 71.5 ±â€¯2.9% was released after 360 min (pH = 6.5) which reveals a potential anti-cancer activity in acidic environment. Cytotoxicity of TCIN in DMSO (0-50 µM) was evaluated on MDCK and HeLa cell lines and exhibited low effect at either 24 or 48 h of exposure; whereas TCIN-loaded CSMP (0-50 µM) showed, after 24 h of exposure, 67.6 ±â€¯7.0 and 64.5 ±â€¯3.9% cytotoxicity for MDCK and HeLa cell lines, respectively. At 48 h of exposure, TCIN-loaded CSMP achieved 81.1 ±â€¯0.26 and 77.9 ±â€¯4.2% cytotoxicity for MDCK and HeLa cell lines, respectively.