Symposium SB01-Liquid–Liquid Interfaces for Emerging Biotechnologies

Liquid-liquid biointerfaces, fluid interfaces stabilised by protein and bio-surfactant assemblies, and coacervates, aqueous biphasic complexes, are emerging as critical for a broad range of processes and applications, from biosensing/monitoring to regenerative medicine, biomanufacturing. This growing area is underpinned by recent progress in the characterisation of liquid-liquid interfaces and coacervates, including their mechanical properties using tools such as interfacial rheology and force probe microscopy, as well as their imaging, based on fluorescence and electron microscopy, or ultra-fast atomic force microscopy. The design and engineering of these complex biointerfaces is enabled by an ever growing molecular toolbox, such as block copolymers, engineered proteins, amphiphilic peptides and designer surfactants, allowing the control of self-assembly processes and interface architecture. In addition, associated assemblies can enable the introduction of responsive properties, for example using ferrofluids and liquid metals. Aqueous biphasic interfaces have also attracted significant attention recently owing to their importance in biophysical processes and the design of biomaterials with controlled microstructure. In turn, the versatility of design of corresponding liquid-liquid interfaces and coacervates enables the translation of these systems for applications in biosensing, biomonitoring and ultra-high throughput screening, as well as for biomanufacturing and bioprocessing, for regenerative medicine and diagnostic applications. The proposed symposium will gather leading experts in these fields, and will present emerging concepts of design, as well as applications of coacervate and microdroplet platforms, driving a revolution in biotechnologies.

biological biomaterial biomimetic (assembly) fluid nanoscale polymer protein self-assembly thin film viscoelasticity