Coacervate emulsions stabilized by synthetic comb polymers with varying chain characteristics

Complex coacervates are ubiquitous in nature, having been shown to be vital for many cell processes, and may provide insights into the origin of life scenarios too. In laboratory settings, they have found great use as bioadhesives and enzymatic reactors and stabilizers. Once stabilized, their emulsions can be instrumental in many other potential applications. Previous research in our group showed that commercial comb polyelectrolytes stabilize coacervate emulsions for extended periods of time. In this presentation, we will discuss the synthesis and characterization of a library of comb polyelectrolytes and their stabilization capabilities via high throughput synthesis instrumentation and stabilization studies. By synthesizing comb polyelectrolytes (cPEs) with varying backbone and sidechain lengths as well as different sidechain densities, an assessment of the critical chain characteristics that influence emulsion stability will be presented. Additionally, the interplay of comb polyelectrolyte characteristics with their required concentrations to achieve comparable stabilization of the emulsions will be presented to arrive at guidelines for comb polyelectrolyte design and mixing protocols to achieve robust stabilization of coacervate emulsions.