Nanoparticle Formation in Stable Microemulsions for Enhanced Oil Recovery Application

Abstract

Self-assembly of individual units into multicomponent complexes is a powerful approach for the generation of functional superstructures. We present the coordinative interaction of oligohistidine-tags (His-tags) with metalorganic framework nanoparticles (MOF NPs). By this novel concept, different molecular units can be anchored on the outer surface of MOF NPs in a self-assembly process generating multifunctional nanosystems. The article focuses on two main objectives: first, the detailed investigation of the assembly process and fundamental establishment of the novel functionalization concept; and second, its subsequent use for the development of biomacromolecule (e.g. peptides and proteins) delivery vehicles. Three exemplary MOF structures, MIL-88A, HKUST-1 and Zr-fum, based on different metal components, were selected for the external binding of various His-tagged synthetic peptides and recombinant or chemically H 6-modified proteins. Evidence for simultaneous assembly of different functional units with Zr-fum MOF NPs as well as their successful transport into living cells illustrate the promising potential of the self-assembly approach for the generation of multifunctional NPs and future biological applications. Taking the high number of possible MOF NPs and different functional units into account, the reported functionalization approach opens great flexibility for the targeted synthesis of multifunctional NPs for specific purposes. ASSOCIATED CONTENT Supporting Information. Additional Materials and Methods, synthesis and analysis of peptides and His-tagged functional units, characterization of MOF NPs, Supplementary Figures. This material is available free of charge via the Internet at http://pubs.acs.org.

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“…The results demonstrated that the oil droplets were emulsified into smaller sizes by the cooperative effect of nanoparticles and microemulsions, which improved the recovery rate. Nourafkan et al 180 studied the effect of the addition of magnetic Fe 2 O 3 and TiO 2 NPs to W/O microemulsions on displacement. The results showed that the stability of the microemulsion system was enhanced with the addition of NPs, and the shear characteristics of the microemulsion were improved.…”

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“…107 Nanoparticles or composites improve the mechanical barrier (electrostatic repulsion + steric hindrance) among discontinuous oil/water microinterfaces, resulting in enhanced stability. 28,108 These constituents result in the formation of microscopically dispersed domains of oil/water in the microemulsion phase. 109 Winsor I refers to the formation of oil-in-water microemulsions with an excess oil phase, while Winsor II microemulsion is characterized by a water-in-oil microemulsion and lower (excess) water phase.…”

“…Polymers improve the mobility control behavior of microemulsions during oil displacement . Nanoparticles or composites improve the mechanical barrier (electrostatic repulsion + steric hindrance) among discontinuous oil/water microinterfaces, resulting in enhanced stability. , These constituents result in the formation of microscopically dispersed domains of oil/water in the microemulsion phase…”

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