Development of Separation Process Using a Hierarchical Structure of Cubosomal Self-Assembly Gel

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K15338
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 27010:Transport phenomena and unit operations-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University (2020-2021); Osaka University (2019)
• Principal Investigator: Suga Keishi 東北大学, 工学研究科, 准教授 (00709800)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: Cubosome / Shear thickening / Drug delivery system / Lipid nanoparticle / Membrane property

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cubosomal self-assembly was successfully prepared by fatty acid (e.g., oleic acid) and monoolein. Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that lipids in cubosome were tightly packed, which could be one of essential properties of hierarchical cubosome assembly. In the gel preparation process, a high-speed stirring (Re > 2000) was necessary, wherein long-time shear stress application could promote the fluid dynamic aggregation of cubosome particles. The obtained cubosomal gel encapsulated hydrophobic drugs and metal nanoparticles. It is expected that cubosomal self-assembly (particle, gel) can be applied for drug delivery system and separation device.

Free Research Field

自己組織化材料

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Cubosomeは階層的な構造を有する自己組織系であり、調製条件(組成、分散方法)によって分散性cubosomeやゲル状cubosomeとなることが知られていた。本研究によって、ゲルが形成されるプロセスは剪断凝集とみなすことができ、剪断応力(ここでは撹拌Reynolds数)によって集合体のサイズを制御できる可能性を明らかにした。