Elena Blanco
| Postdoctoral Fellow, 2009 Group of Eugene Terentjev Biological and Soft Systems Sector Cavendish Laboratory University of Cambridge PhD, Physics, 2009 University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain B.S., Physics, 2004 University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain |  |
Research Focus: Surface-Functionalized Particles for Foam, Emulsion, and Dispersion Stabilization
Our research is focused on the development and investigation of new classes of colloidal nanomaterials with potential large-scale applications. We fabricate and study new “smart” particles and capsules that may be anisotropic, responsive to environmental factors and external fields, and having various additional functionalities. Interfacially-active nanoparticles are used to make surfaces with high rigidity and foams and emulsions with extraordinary stability and unusual properties. We will attempt to revolutionize the use of insoluble proteins by utilizing them in the form of colloidal particles with tuneable interactions, softness and morphology, which can enable several structural and stabilization benefits in a range of applications. The transport properties and materials release from the formed composite particles and capsules will be characterized by novel microfluidic techniques and will be described by numerical modeling. The project also may have an applied component related to the scalable fabrication of environmentally friendly and nutraceutical colloids.