Follow On: The Bijel: A membrane contactor for microreactors

我们的目标是创建一个膜接触器的微反应器的基础上，在爱丁堡发现的一种新的介质。我们的发明将首先针对制药和精细化学工业的液/液萃取应用。新的介质是一种双连续的界面堵塞的乳液凝胶（bijel）。它有两个流体域，以回旋排列填充样品，并共享一个大的相互界面。界面由一层胶体颗粒稳定。这种结构将用于使两种不混溶的溶剂接触，同时它们独立地流动。接触发生在胶体之间的空隙处。我们的计划是创建一个原型膜接触器，并利用它来吸引潜在的许可证。宝石的发明专利已经提交。

We aim to create a membrane contactor for microreactors based on a novel medium that was discovered in Edinburgh. Our invention will be targeted, initially, at liquid/liquid extraction applications for the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. The novel medium is a bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gel (bijel). It has two fluid domains which fill the sample in a convoluted arrangement and share a large mutual interface. The interface is stabilized by a layer of colloidal particles. This structure will be employed to bring two immiscible solvents into contact while they flow independently. Contact occurs at the interstices between the colloids. Our plan is to create a prototype membrane contactor and to use this to attract potential licensees. The patent for the invention of the bijel has already been filed.