Development of Functional Gels Using an Emulsion-Gelation Method

Abstract

We developed an emulsion-gelation method. This method involves the synthesis of polymeric hydrogels in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion by free radical polymerization, followed by the washing (removal) of the dispersed oil as a pore template (porogen). Emulsion gels containing randomly distributed oil microdroplets, and macroporous hydrogels having sphere-like cavities were prepared. Novel emulsion gel adsorbents containing an organic extractant for metal ions were developed for metal adsorption. Novel enzyme-entrapped macroporous gels were developed for enzymatic reaction. W/O emulsion-gelation method and suspension-gelation method were also developed.