Colloidal Particle Morphology and Film Formation; the Role of Bio-Active Components on Stimuli-Responsive Behavior

Colloidal dispersions stabilized by biologically active dispersing agents such as phospholipids have become of significant interest due to the ability of manipulating polymer morphologies through tailoring synthetic and surface properties. As a result, unique particle morphologies ranging from hollow, cocklebur, and tubular shapes can be obtained. This review outlines recent advances in this field and discusses the role of bioactive phospholipids on generation these morphologies as well as film formation processes. Various possibilities and opportunities resulting from stimuli-responsive film formation and stratification processes stimulated by solution ionic strength, pH, enzyme concentration, and temperature are discussed. The control stratification and mobility during and after coalescence are the key factors in developing lipid rafts. Stimuli-responsive behaviors of colloidal films, if accurately controlled, offer a number of opportunities in their utilization for medical, sensing, and other devices.