Thesis title: Structural studies at the colloidal scale for the development of alternative materials and technologies in the green transition
This thesis explores the structural behavior of innovative colloidal systems within eco-friendly media, focusing on their potential applications in sustainable chemistry and biomedical fields. Utilizing a combination of advanced techniques the work investigates the self-assembly and structural properties of bile salts, porphyrins, and cubosome nanoparticles, offering insights into their colloidal-scale behavior and stability.
Bile salts, such as sodium cholate, sodium taurocholate and sodium glycocholate were studied in the Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) reline, with varying water contents. Structural analyses by means of neutron scattering techniques revealed the formation of oblate ellipsoid aggregates, with the aggregation characteristics influenced by the solvent’s hydrogen-bonding network and water content. These findings highlight the interplay between molecular interactions and solvent environment, advancing the understanding of DES-based systems as sustainable alternatives for soft matter applications.
Building on these results, the study was extended to porphyrin self-assembly in DESs, with bile salts employed as aggregation aids. DES composition significantly influences the structural organization of porphyrin aggregates, enhancing their functional properties and potential for applications in biomimetic and catalytic processes.
Further, this research explores cubosome nanoparticles as advanced carriers for porphyrin derivatives for possible nanomedicine applications where the porphyrin derivatives are used as photosensitizer in cancer therapy. Monoolein-based cubosomes, stabilized with Pluronics F108, were formulated to encapsulate bile acid-modified and peptide-functionalized porphyrins. A comprehensive physicochemical analysis revealed that encapsulation preserves the cubic phase structure of the lipid matrix while influencing phase behavior and morphology depending on the payload. These formulations exhibit high encapsulation efficiency, structural stability, and compatibility with photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial applications.
This work advances the understanding of colloidal-scale self-assembly in sustainable systems, bridging fundamental research and practical applications in green chemistry and drug delivery systems. By integrating structural and functional insights, this thesis underscores the potential of eco-friendly colloidal systems to address pressing challenges in science and technology.