The construction of an aqueous two-phase system to solve weak-aggregation of gigaporous poly(Styrene-divinyl benzene) microspheres

Abstract

Gigaporous poly(styrene-divinyl benzene) microspheres made via the surfactant reverse micelles swelling method had a controllable pore size of 100-500 nm. These microspheres had unique advantages in biomacromolecule separation and enzymes immobilization. However, the obtained microspheres adhered to each other in the preparation process. Though the weak aggregation could be re-dispersed easily by mechanical force, it will be difficult to scale up. By analyzing the formation mechanism of the aggregates, a method was presented to rebuild the interface between the internal aqueous channel and the external continuous phase by constructing an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). Based on the ATPS, the method of emulsification, stirring speed, and surfactant concentration in oil phase were optimized. Under the optimum condition (screen emulsification method, 120 rpm for polymerization and 55% surfactant), the microspheres with a controllable particle size of 10-40 μm and a pore size of about 150 nm were obtained. This new method could significantly decrease the weak-aggregation of microspheres.