Projects
Foaming and antifoaming of protein-based dispersions and emulsions KU Leuven
Model protein-based dispersions and emulsions will be developed. Their key structural characteristics will be studied, so the following questions/tasks about foaming and foam stability need to be addressed: • Investigation of the foaming behavior of model emulsions, with controlled size and deformability (interfacial rheology), and stability vs coalescence – then study what determines their antifoaming behavior. • Investigation of the foaming ...
The incorporation of plant-based Pickering particles in O/W emulsions: From tailored in vitro lipid digestion behavior to in vivo implications KU Leuven
Flow-induced structuring of emulsions and bijels stabilized by interfacially localized particles and crystals KU Leuven
Flow-induced liquid-liquid dynamics will be exploited as the anisotropy-driving mechanism. This is, on the one hand, done in competition with solidification (through crystallization) of one of the bulk phases and, on the other hand, by solidification of the interface (either by an added solid phase or by crystallization).
Rationalizing the design of Pickering and bi-structured emulsions for tailored in vitro lipolysis kinetics: from static towards (semi)dynamic in vitro digestion methods KU Leuven
In recent years, it became obvious that several factors influence lipid digestion: (i) oil phase properties, (ii) oil droplet size, (iii) interfacial properties, (iv) properties of the continuous phase. One recent research trend aims to explore and understand the use of a mix of emulsifiers to modulate emulsion stability and lipid digestion with specific perspectives for satiation and satiety induction. For this, both traditional molecular ...
Rationalizing the design of Pickering and bi-structured emulsions for tailored in vitro lipolysis kinetics: from static towards (semi)dynamic in vitro digestion methods. KU Leuven
Pickering particles have shown potential to form stable O/W emulsions. However, digestive functionality of O/W Pickering emulsions is an understudied domain. Current insights point towards retarded rate of lipid digestion kinetics which level off at low digestion extents. We hypothesize that bi-structured emulsions formed by mixing Pickering and molecular-based emulsions might result in targeted lipid digestion kinetics in each type of ...
Interfacial behaviour of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) in W/O emulsions - A molecular study Ghent University
PhD on Pickering emulsions to mimic biomimetic erythrocyte membranes KU Leuven
Blood is a precious and vital resource for many clinical interventions. Erythrocytes (red blood cells), one of its key components, are used to save thousands of lives every day worldwide. Yet, in low- and middle-income countries, insufficient blood donations and their unsafe control are endemic burdens that cost lives. Despite several decades of attempts a safe and universal blood substitute has yet to be developed. The ambitious goal of the ...
Shape-Morphing Pickering Emulsions KU Leuven
PhD position: Flow-structure-properties relations for Pickering emulsions KU Leuven
For many applications, polymers have substantial advantages as compared to other materials, e.g. they are light-weight, flexible, easy to process and corrosion-resistant. Additional functionality can be introduced by the addition of conductive or magnetic particles. Thereby, materials can be developed for energy harvesting, electric discharge protection, electromagnetic shielding or soft robotics. However, the resulting properties are ...