Frozen Ionic Liquid Microparticles and Nanoparticles, and Methods for their Synthesis and Use
OwnerIsiah M. Warner, Aaron Tesfai +7inventors
InventorsIsiah M. Warner, Aaron Tesfai, Bilal M. El-Zahab, David Bwambok, Gary A. Baker, Sayo O. Fakayode, Mark Lowa, Michael P. Tolocka, Sergio De Rooy
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Abstract
“Frozen ionic liquid” microparticles and nanoparticles are disclosed, as are alternative methods of making the particles. The particles may be monodisperse or polydisperse, with spherical or other shapes. The particles may be prepared without specialized equipment, and without harsh conditions. The microparticles and nanoparticles have uses in biomedical, materials, analytical, and other fields.
Claims17
A particle wherein:
- (a) said particle is solid-phase, and said particle has a diameter between about 1 nm and about 100 μm;
- (b) said particle comprises an organic salt with a melting point above about 25° C.
A composite particle that comprises a dendrimer core, and that also comprises an organic salt;
- wherein both the dendrimer core and the organic salt have melting points above about 25° C.
A method comprising the steps of:
- (a) preparing, at a first temperature, a first fluid comprising a solution of an organic salt, or comprising an emulsion of an organic salt, or comprising a melt of an organic salt;
- wherein the salt has a melting point above about 25° C.;
- and
- (b) rapidly dispersing the first fluid into a second fluid at a second temperature;
- wherein:
- (c) the first fluid and the second fluid are different;
- or the first temperature and the second temperature or different;
- or both;
- (d) the salt is insoluble in the second fluid at the second temperature;
- and
- (e) the rate of dispersal of the first second into the second fluid at the second temperature is sufficiently rapid to cause the formation of a plurality of solid-phase particles of the salt.
A process comprising electrospinning a mixture of a polymer, and an organic salt that has a melting point above about 25° C., under conditions suitable to produce nanofibers of the polymer and the organic salt.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.