Obtaining Bioemulsions Structured as "Networks" by Innovative Technologies

Abstract

New bioemulsions structured like “networks” were created by innovative technologies based on: elastin/zinc hydroxide/ (bolaamphiphiles mixture: bis [2-butyl (sodium bis-thioacetate) sodium dicarboxylate 1,10 decanediyl ester] and/or sucrose diester)/ acetic acid/water, for improved surface properties development with applications in leather industry. We used in this research two “bolaamphiphiles”. Bolaamphiphilic molecules contain a hydrophobic skeleton (e.g., one, two, or three alkyl chains, a steroid, or a porphyrin) and two water-soluble groups on both ends. The interaction of surfactants with biopolymers in aqueous medium results in the formation of different association structures. There are various morphologies of biopolymer-surfactant association complexes depending on the molecular structure of the biopolymer and surfactant, on the nature of interaction forces between solvents and surfactant or biopolymer. The innovation consists in the technologies for obtaining novel micro and nanostructured bioemulsions, and the compatibilisation with film forming polymers for leather surface finishing. Elastin/zinc hydroxide micro and nanocomposites have been stabilized with bolaamphiphilic surfactants mixture: bis [2-butyl (sodium bis-thioacetate) sodium dicarboxylate 1,10 decanediyl ester and sucrose diester in a 1:1 acetic acid/water ratio, to increase the uniformity of nanocomposites. Micro and nanostructured composites like “networks” developed as a result of biopolymer-surfactants interactions for elastin/zinc hydroxide/surfactants mixture couple in acetic acid/water system are reported by SEM microscopy and DLS analysis. A special class of micro and nanoarchitectures is represented by structures organized as “network” assemblies. The novel micro and nanocomposites can provide the hybrid film with increased resistance to rubbing and water, and to deformation. Environmentally-friendly substrates with smart multifunctional features can be obtained for various applications.