Functionalized nanoscale through microscale polypeptide stabilized emulsions for display of biomolecules

We have prepared stable nano- and microscale emulsion droplets using block copolypeptide surfactants that have been functionalized with biotin. We have varied the biotin density on the droplet surfaces by mixing biotinylated with non-biotinylated surfactants, and used these to optimize the level of biotinylation for binding of NeutrAvidin. Using fluorescence microscopy and dynamic light scattering we have verified specific binding of NeutrAvidin to the biotinylated droplets and developed conditions for specific binding of biotinylated ligands to the NeutrAvidin coated droplets. These experiments outline a process for preparation of a soft, nano- through microscale sized droplet platform capable of specifically conjugating and displaying biotinylated molecules.