Emulsion Research Articles

Synergistic modulation of SrTiO3-TiO2 colossal permittivity system by internal lattice defects and phase composition: Experimental and theoretical investigations

The SrTiO3–TiO2 composite ceramics with different contents of La doping were fabricated by traditional solid-state sintering methods. The performance of the colossal permittivity ceramics was enhanced by the synergistic design of the internal defect structure and phase composition. When the doping content is 2%, SrTiO3–TiO2 composite ceramics possessed a colossal permittivity (ԑr ∼ 1.1 × 105), low dielectric loss (tanδ ∼ 0.050) and favorable thermal stability (−70 °C-150 °C, ΔC/C25°C ≤ ±15%). Phase structure analysis suggested that a TiO2 secondary phase was induced at the grain boundaries of SrTiO3 phase with the addition of La3+ ions. XPS and dielectric behavior analyses revealed that oxygen vacancies and lattice defects formed by inhomogeneous ion-doping act to modulate the dielectric behavior in ceramics. The IBLC interfacial effects in relation to semiconductor grains and insulation grain boundaries are the main contributors to the colossal permittivity (CP) properties of ceramics, and the contribution of the IBLC effects becomes more prominent with increasing doping content. On the basis of first-principles analysis, the ceramic lattice undergoes severe deformation when the La content is increased, and the gathering of electrons at oxygen vacancies and defects is evident. As a result, it leads to enhanced grain semiconducting properties and interfacial effects, which facilitate colossal permittivity and low dielectric loss for ceramics. The results are prospective in the application of CP ceramics.

Zein-cyclodextrin complex used to prepare high internal phase pickering emulsions with various oil phases

Biobased solid particles for stabilizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are widely used in food and cosmetics industries. This study report a kind of zein-cyclodextrin complex particles which could HIPEs with various oil phases (log P values: 1.14–9.26), showcasing their wide applicability across different oil types. This versatility due to the slight differences (6–8°) in the three-phase contact angles for different oils. Furthermore, the complex particles showed a marked improvement in emulsification performance, as evidenced by their significantly higher diffusion rates (7–15 times faster) and reorientation speeds (2–5 times faster) at the oil-water interface. Moreover, the emulsions prepared were stable across a broad pH range (3–9), successfully addressing the common stability challenges associated with protein-based emulsifiers near their isoelectric points. Therefore, these complex particles have great potential in cosmetics, waste oil treatment and food field, such as multifunctional 3D bioprinting ink.

Optimisation and Characterisation of Improved Nanoemulsion Formulations Containing Ceramide 3

AbstractCeramide3 (Cer3) is one of the important components of stratum corneum (SC) lipids with good moisturizing and repairing properties. However, it suffers from (a) poor solubility, (b) easy crystallization and precipitation, and (c) strong polarity and difficulty in transdermal application. This study aimed to load Cer3 into nanoemulsions (NEs) to overcome these mentioned defects. The optimized NEs formulation was prepared by high pressure homogenization method and characterized by several methods. The optimized ceramide3 nanoemulsions (Cer3‐NEs) exhibited a good physico‐chemical stability over 3 months under different conditions, with droplet size of 103.1 nm, PDI of 0.178, zeta potential of −39.09 mV, pH of 6.20 and encapsulation efficiency of 96.39 %. Turbiscan results showed that formulations containing Cer3‐NEs have better stability than those containing free Cer3. The dermal delivery ability of Cer3‐NEs was assessed by Franz diffusion and confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRM). In vitro and in vivo penetration studies showed that Cer3‐NEs serum have almost 2–3 times higher retention in the skin and permeation in the receptor solution compared to serum with free Cer3. The findings show NE is a promising carrier of Cer3 for topical administration in the treatment of dryness and barrier damage due to higher stability and better skin permeability.

A Comprehensive Compilation of Spectral Libraries for Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHC) Encompassing VNIR-SWIR-TIR Ranges

Remote detection and mapping of surface materials using optical sensors relies predominantly on analyzing multispectral and hyperspectral imagery employing classification algorithms. The classification process involves comparing the spectra of individual pixels within the image to spectra from reference databases, commonly referred to as spectral libraries. Here, we introduce a comprehensive compilation of spectral libraries specifically tailored for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC), meticulously crafted under controlled laboratory conditions. This compilation includes reference spectral libraries for various PHC forms, including crude oils, mineral substrate-PHC mixtures (comprising crude oils and fuels), oil-film on water, and oil-water emulsions. Data collection was conducted within the visible, near, and shortwave IR (VNIR-SWIR – 0.35–2.5 µm) spectra and thermal IR (TIR – 3–15 µm) range. The openly accessible spectral libraries presented herein support the scientific community and industry in characterizing field samples or spectral data from onshore and offshore sites. Furthermore, these libraries are instrumental in developing and applying classification algorithms designed for processing spectral images captured by cameras coupled to multiple platforms (e.g., tripods, drones, airborne, orbital satellites).

Coarse-Grained Simulations of Adeno-Associated Virus and Its Receptor Reveal Influences on Membrane Lipid Organization and Curvature.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a well-known gene delivery tool with a wide range of applications, including as a vector for gene therapies. However, the molecular mechanism of its cell entry remains unknown. Here, we performed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) capsid and the universal AAV receptor (AAVR) in a model plasma membrane environment. Our simulations show that binding of the AAV2 capsid to the membrane induces membrane curvature, along with the recruitment and clustering of GM3 lipids around the AAV2 capsid. We also found that the AAVR binds to the AAV2 capsid at the VR-I loops using its PKD2 and PKD3 domains, whose binding poses differs from previous structural studies. These first molecular-level insights into AAV2 membrane interactions suggest a complex process during the initial phase of AAV2 capsid internalization.

High-Performance Membranes Based on Spherical-Beaded Nanofibers and Nanoarchitectured Networks for Water-in-Oil Emulsion Separation.

High-performance separation materials for oil-water emulsions are crucial to environmental protection and resource recovery; however, most existing fibrous separation materials are subject to large pore size and low porosity, resulting in limited separation performance. Herein, we create high-performance membranes consisting of spherical-beaded nanofibers and nanoarchitectured networks (nano-nets) using electrostatic spinning/netting technology, for water-in-oil emulsion separation. By manipulating the nonequilibrium stretching of jets, spherical-beaded nanofibers capable of generating a robust microelectric field are fabricated as scaffolds, on which charged droplets are induced to eject and phase separate to self-assemble nano-nets with small pores. Benefiting from 3D undulating networks with cavities originating from 2D nano-nets supported by 1D spherical-beaded nanofibers, the membranes exhibit under-oil superhydrophobicity (>152°), a striking separation performance with an efficiency of >99.2% and a flux of 5775 L m-2 h-1, together with wide pressure applicability, antifouling, and reusability. This work may open up new horizons in developing fibrous materials for separation and purification.

Construction of Lactobacillus casei-loaded Water-in-oil High Internal Phase Emulsion and its Study on Anti-breast Cancer Properties

Objective: To prepare an oil-in-water high internal phase emulsion containing Lactobacillus casei, and to optimize and characterize the preparation process. To explore the therapeutic effect of the probiotic-carrying emulsion on in situ breast cancer in mice. Methods: Using corn oil, sodium alginate, polyglycerin ricinoleate and L. casei as raw materials, the high internal phase emulsion containing probiotic oil-in-water was prepared by high-speed homogenization method. The optimal preparation process was obtained through single factor investigation, microstructure characterization, stability investigation and in vitro simulation digestion experiment. Ten female BALB/c mice (SPF grade, 18–20 g) were selected. After the in situ breast cancer model was successfully established, the mice were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, with 5 mice in each group. The mice were administrated with probiotic-loaded emulsion and normal saline respectively, and were administrated with the stomach every other day for 10 days. The change of tumor volume during treatment and tumor mass at the end of treatment were recorded. Results: The optimum process of emulsion was: With the concentration of 5% Polyglycerin ricinolate, 75% aqueous volume, 3000r/min homogenizing speed, 30 s homogenizing time and 2% aqueous sodium alginate concentration, a high internal phase emulsion with a particle size of 9.33 ± 1.74 μm and an appearance of milky paste was prepared. The inclusion rate of probiotics reached 90.97 ± 27.09%. Breast cancer anti-tumor experiment showed that the tumor inhibition rate of the experimental group reached 33.78% compared with the control group. Conclusion: Water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion can effectively protect L. casei and reduce the loss of live probiotic when probiotics pass through the digestive fluid environment. Oral intragastric high internal phase emulsion containing L. casei oil-in-water has a certain therapeutic effect on breast cancer.

High-strength, super-hydrophilic alginate electrospun nanofibrous membranes for rapid oil-water emulsion separation

Ultrafiltration membrane separation technology is considered an effective method for separating oil-water emulsions. However, oil droplets can easily deposit on the surface of the membranes, leading to severe fouling and a decrease in flux. In this study, poly (ethylene oxide)/acrylamide/sodium alginate (PEO/AM/NaAlg) hydrogel nanofibers were deposited on a poly (hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) electrospun nanofibrous membrane. Subsequently, superhydrophilic (ethylene oxide)-poly(acrylamide)/calcium alginate hydrogel nanofiber composite filtration membranes (PEO/PAM/CaAlg-PHB) were prepared by polymerization and Ca2+ cross-linking using a PHB electrospun nanofibrous membrane as the matrix. The morphology, tensile strength, water contact angle, and oil–water emulsion separation properties of the PEO/PAM/CaAlg-PHB hydrogel filtration membrane were investigated. The results showed that the PEO/PAM/CaAlg-PHB membrane had good anti-fouling performance, with a tensile strength of 1.95 MPa. After 3 h of the filtration operation, the stable flux and oil–water emulsion rejection of the membrane reached 2925.2 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and 98.66 %, respectively. The preparation method was simple, cost effective, and environmentally friendly, without introducing any organic pollutants. The PEO/PAM/CaAlg-PHB hydrogel filtration membrane shows promise for separating oil–water emulsions.

Metallic-based phthalocyanine nanoemulsions for photodynamic purging of ovarian tissue in leukemia patients

For cancer patients with a high risk of ovarian tissue metastasis, ovarian autotransplantation is not advised due to the potential spread of malignant cells. Ex vivo purging of ovarian fragments may offer a more suitable alternative for fertility restoration. Eradicating malignant cells should be done selectively without affecting follicles or ovarian stromal cells (SCs). As a clinically licensed method, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment to destroy cancer cells. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nanoemulsions (NE) containing two phthalocyanine photosensitizers; aluminum (III) phthalocyanine (AlPc) and zinc (II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) in eliminating cancer cells. Human leukemic malignant (HL-60) and ovarian stromal cells (SCs) were treated with AlPc/ZnPc loaded NEs with or without diode laser irradiation. HL-60 leukemia cells in 2D culture were eliminated by treatment with 10nM AlPc-NE or 0.1µM ZnPc-NE, while no toxicity was observed in SCs. In 3D culture models, although the cells showed more resistance to the NEs as a result of limited oxygen and photosensitizer penetration, the treatment remained selective for cancer cells. These approaches have the potential to eliminate malignant cells from ovarian tissue fragments.

Serum metabolite biomarkers for the early diagnosis and monitoring of age-related macular degeneration

IntroductionAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with significant challenges for early diagnosis and treatment. ObjectivesTo identify new biomarkers that are important for the early diagnosis and monitoring of the severity/progression of AMD. MethodsWe investigated the diagnostic and monitoring potential of blood metabolites in a cohort of 547 individuals (167 healthy controls, 240 individuals with other eye diseases as eye disease controls, and 140 individuals with AMD) from 2 centers over three phases: discovery phase 1, discovery phase 2, and an external validation phase. The samples were analyzed via a mass spectrometry-based, widely targeted metabolomic workflow. In discovery phases 1 and 2, we built a machine learning algorithm to predict the probability of AMD. In the external validation phase, we further confirmed the performance of the biomarker panel identified by the algorithm. We subsequently evaluated the performance of the identified biomarker panel in monitoring the progression and severity of AMD. ResultsWe developed a clinically specific three-metabolite panel (hypoxanthine, 2-furoylglycine, and 1-hexadecyl-2-azelaoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) via five machine learning models. The random forest model effectively discriminated patients with AMD from patents in the other two groups and showed acceptable calibration (area under the curve (AUC) = 1.0; accuracy = 1.0) in both discovery phases 1 and 2. An independent validation phase confirmed the diagnostic model’s efficacy (AUC = 0.962; accuracy = 0.88). The three-biomarker panel model demonstrated an AUC of 1.0 in differentiating the severity of AMD via RF machine learning, which was consistent across both the discovery and external validation phases. Additionally, the biomarker concentrations remained stable under repeated freeze–thaw cycles (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThis study reveals distinct metabolite variations in the serum of AMD patients, paving the way for the development of the first routine laboratory test for AMD.

A synchronous improvement of strength and elongation caused by solid solution in low-silver SAC solder with superior necking resistance properties

The current SAC(Sn–Ag–Cu) solder often experiences rapid degradation of mechanical properties at high temperatures and is prone to fracture under dynamic loads, thus failing to meet the interconnection requirements of industrial electronic products that operate under high power and vibration loads. In light of this, this paper aims to enhance the overall performance of the alloy by reducing the fraction of the second phase in SAC305 alloy, altering the type of second-phase particles, and strengthening the matrix β-Sn phase. Additionally, based on thermodynamic calculations of phase diagrams, the internal phases and elemental solid solubility of the alloy under different temperature conditions are accurately designed, thereby improving the alloy's strength while maintaining its elongation almost unchanged. The experimental results indicate that the designed Sn1.0Ag0.7Cu–3Bi4In1.5Sb alloy exhibits a higher rate sensitivity factor m (0.0559), which is more than double that of the Sn1.0Ag0.7Cu–5Bi4In3Sb alloy (0.0239). This improvement is primarily attributed to the enhanced interaction between the matrix β-Sn and the solid solution effect. Larger compound phases, such as Cu6Sn5 and Ag3Sn, only play a role in the low-rate loading region. Additionally, the alloy demonstrates strong temperature dependence, which is also related to the dissolution of the In element in the matrix β-Sn. The solid solution of the In element significantly enhances the high-temperature elongation rate of the alloy, increasing from 11.9% at low temperatures to 21.3% at high temperatures. The successful development and implementation of this research provides a new solution for interconnection of electronic devices under high-speed dynamic loading and high-temperature service.

Enhanced mucosal antibody- and T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 after heterologous intramuscular mRNA prime/intranasal protein boost vaccination with a combination adjuvant

Current COVID-19 mRNA vaccines delivered intramuscularly (IM) induce effective systemic immunity, but with suboptimal immunity at mucosal sites, limiting their ability to impart sterilizing immunity. There is strong interest in rerouting immune responses induced in the periphery by parenteral vaccination to the portal entry site of respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, by mucosal vaccination. We previously demonstrated the combination adjuvant, NE/IVT, consisting of a nanoemulsion (NE) and an RNA-based RIG-I agonist (IVT) induces potent systemic and mucosal immune responses in protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines administered intranasally (IN). Herein, we demonstrate priming IM with mRNA followed by heterologous IN boosting with NE/IVT adjuvanted recombinant antigen induces strong mucosal and systemic antibody responses and enhances antigen-specific T cell responses in mucosa-draining lymph nodes compared to IM/IM and IN/IN prime/boost regimens. While all regimens induced cross-neutralizing antibodies against divergent variants and sterilizing immunity in the lungs of challenged mice, mucosal vaccination, either as homologous prime/boost or heterologous IN boost after IM mRNA prime was required to impart sterilizing immunity in the upper respiratory tract. Our data demonstrate the benefit of hybrid regimens whereby strong immune responses primed via IM vaccination are rerouted by IN vaccination to mucosal sites to provide optimal protection to SARS-CoV-2.

Fabrication, characterization and transdermal properties of double cross-linked gel beads with 4-n-butylresorcinol

In this paper, sodium alginate (SA) -agarose double cross-linked gel beads were prepared to improve the solubility of 4-n-butylresorcinol and to reduce skin irritation. The wrappage material suitable for 4-nBR gel beads was SA-agarose double cross-linking material, and the internal inclusions were in the form of 4-n-butylresorcinol nanoemulsions (4-nBR NEs). Under the orthogonal fluorescence microscope, it was observed that the gel beads were spherical in shape, with smooth and rounded surfaces and permeable interiors. The encapsulation rate of the gel beads was 84.37±3.56%, and the average diameter was 1.93±0.21 mm. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the gel beads were spherical in shape. The cumulative leakage rate of the gel beads on the 35 th day was 4.72±0.06%, suggesting that the gel beads encapsulated 4-butylresorcinol to good effect and with high stability. This proves that the gel beads wrapped with 4-nBR are highly effective and stable. In vitro skin permeability assessment verified the good skin permeability of nanoemulsions (NEs).

Study on the foam properties of peanut oil body (POB)-based oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) foamed emulsion gel: The key role played by the interface between the water phase and the outer oil phase

A novel POB-based O/W/O foamed emulsion gel was constructed. The mechanism by which POB strengthens the foamed emulsion gel was preliminarily explored by studying the microstructure and rheological properties, and the applications of POB in decoration and 3D printing were analyzed. The adsorption of POBs and their fragments might strengthen the interface between the water and internal oil phases, thereby increasing the yield stress of the system, which protected the O/W/O structure from being damaged during whipping, and formed a special foam structure where air-in-oil (A/O) structures and O/W/O structure coexist. Besides, adding POB promoted the overrun of the emulsion gel, and the maximum overrun rate was 68.6 %. Finally, POB-based O/W/O foamed emulsion gel exhibited good decoration and 3D printing performance and is expected to become a healthy and higher-quality foamed food in the future.

Estimating the In Situ Stratification via Remotely Sensed Internal Wave Speeds

Abstract This work tests a methodology for estimating the ocean stratification gradient using remotely sensed, high temporal and spatial resolution field measurements of internal wave propagation speeds. The internal wave (IW) speeds were calculated from IW tracks observed using a shore-based, X-band marine radar deployed at a field site on the south-central coast of California. An inverse model, based on the work of Kar and Guha, utilizes the linear internal wave dispersion relation, assuming a constant vertical density gradient is the basis for the inverse model. This allows the vertical gradient of density to be expressed as a function of the internal wave phase speed, local water depth, and a background average density. The inputs to the algorithm are the known cross-shore bathymetry, the background ocean density, and the remotely sensed cross-shore profiles of IW speed. The estimated density gradients are then compared to the synchronously measured vertical density profiles collected from an in situ instrument array. The results show a very good agreement offshore in deeper water (∼50–30 m) but more significant discrepancies in shallow water (20–10 m) closer to shore. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is conducted that relates errors in measured speeds to errors in the estimated density gradients. Significance Statement The propagation speed of ocean internal waves inherently depends on the vertical structure of the water density, which is termed stratification. In this work, we evaluate and test with real field observations a technique to infer the ocean density stratification from internal wave propagation speeds collected from remote sensing images. Such methods offer a way to monitor ocean stratification without the need for extensive in situ measurements.

Full-field three-dimensional system calibration for composite surfaces reconstruction

The accurate calibration of composite surface measurement systems for specular and diffused surface is of great importance in a number of industrial applications. This paper addresses the challenges in calibrating composite surface reconstruction by proposing a comprehensive full-field calibration method. The principal innovation is the construction of a comprehensive reference phase and the pixel-by-pixel calibration of system parameters within the same coordinate system. The details are as follows: (1) construct a complete reference phase for the composite surfaces through external parameter constraints phase fusion and interpolation; (2) calibrate the mapping relationship coefficients, compensate the accuracy degradation of the partial reflection. Experimental results validate the accuracy of the full-field calibration data, demonstrating the effectiveness and feasibility.

Study in Gas-Phase Agglomeration Characteristics of Spiral Flow Gas-Liquid Multiphase Pump

Abstract The spiral flow gas-liquid mixed transport pump experiences gas phase accumulation in the impeller flow passage, leading to blockage and a decrease in pumping performance. To understand the rules and mechanisms of gas phase aggregation in the spiral flow gas-liquid mixed transport pump, numerical calculations based on the Eulerian multiphase flow model and SST k – ω turbulent flow model were conducted. The effects of different gas volume fractions, speeds, and liquid phase viscosities on the pump were explored, and the external characteristics, flow characteristics, and gas phase aggregation processes in the impeller were analysed for these three variables. The results indicate that the head and efficiency of the pump gradually decrease with increasing gas volume fraction and liquid phase viscosity, while they increase with increasing speed. When the liquid phase viscosity changes from pure water to 50 times its viscosity, the gas phase aggregation at the impeller outlet decreases, resulting in reduced pressure and a smaller vortex region. The relative gas phase aggregation degree λ decreases from 0.5 to almost 0. When the gas volume fraction increases from 20% to 60%, the gas phase aggregation at the impeller outlet increases, the pressure difference between the impeller hub and the rim increases, and the vortex region expands, leading to an increase in λ by 8 times. When the speed increases from 3000 rpm to 5000 rpm, the gas phase aggregation at the impeller outlet increases, the pressure increases, and the vortex region expands, resulting in a 16-fold increase in λ.

Effect of gelled phases on the relevance of double emulsion gels for probiotics encapsulation, rheological properties, and stability

This study aimed to develop a stable double emulsion gel (DEG) based on whey protein cold-set gelation of the external water phase and carnauba wax-based solidification of the oil phase as a potential delivery system for probiotics in high-protein food products. The effect of the gelation of different phases on the microstructure, gel properties, and stability of DEGs under storage and freezing–thawing conditions and the viability of L. plantarum loaded in the inner water phase of DEGs were evaluated. The oil phase crystallization allowed the formation of stable DEGs during storage, showing negligible changes in consistency index, G′, and particle size after 56 d of storage and under four freeze–thaw cycles. The gelation of both the oil and external water phases allowed a stronger gel network formation, with a six times lower creaming index than non-gelled double emulsions. All samples demonstrated that the encapsulation of L. plantarum into the inner water phase of the DEG is beneficial for the storage stability of probiotics.

Comprehensive review of stabilising factors, demulsification methods, and chemical demulsifiers of oil-water emulsions

With most crude oil extracted in the form of an emulsion, a substantial quantity of interfacially active substances such as asphaltenes and resins adsorbed at the oil–water interface can form a stable interfacial film through intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonds or π-π stacking), which hinder the coalescence of water droplets. This process improves interface stability, making oil–water separation difficult, thus considerably increasing the petroleum industry’s cost. Hence, comprehending the stability mechanism of oil–water emulsions and destroying the stable oil–water interfacial structure is vital for effective demulsification. The paper systematically reviews types, stability factors, demulsification technologies and principles of oil–water emulsions, summarises common types of demulsifiers, explains the action mechanism of demulsifiers from structure-activity relationships, and proposes future development prospects in this field, thus providing support for formulating demulsification theoretical strategies.

Assembly and jamming of polar additive-swollen microgels at liquid–liquid interfaces: From inverse Pickering emulsions to functional materials

HypothesisPoly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM)-based microgels have garnered significant interest as effective soft particulate stabilizers because of their deformability and functionality. However, the inherent hydrophilic nature of microgel restricts their potential use in stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) Pickering emulsions. Employing diverse polar additives can improve the hydrophobicity of microgels, thus unlocking new possibilities in inverse Pickering emulsion formation and materials fabrication. ExperimentsDifferent types of microgels were generated using free-radical precipitation polymerization with tailored physiochemical properties. The effect of various polar additives on the wettability, adsorption kinetics, and interfacial coverage of microgels was systematically investigated. Additive-swollen microgels were utilized to stabilize inverse W/O Pickering emulsions, which served as templates to develop functional materials with stimuli responsiveness and hierarchical structures. FindingsAdditive-swollen PNIPAM-based microgels exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity and superior emulsifying capability, which spontaneously assembled and jammed at oil–water interfaces, resulting in a significant interfacial energy decrease. The microgels formed a tightly packed, elastic, and responsive microgel monolayer. The feasibility of the strategy was verified by preparing various inverse W/O Pickering emulsions and high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs). More importantly, this straightforward formation strategy of microgel-stabilized inverse W/O Pickering emulsions offered a novel platform to create functional materials with customized inner structures from microscale (e.g., responsive core–shell hydrogel microspheres and colloidosomes) to macroscale (e.g., hierarchical porous materials) that can be used for potential applications, such as recyclable contaminant removal and droplet manipulation.