Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs
Publication Date
Summer 7-15-2025
Abstract
This dissertation develops and validates a semi-empirical Flory–Huggins-based interaction model, combined with Cahn–Hilliard simulations, for predicting multi-component liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) systems. Equilibrium droplet compositions, measured using a PDMS-based microfluidic device, enabled direct parameterization of interaction coefficients. The model was applied to generate phase diagrams and assess composition dependence in ternary mixtures. Cahn–Hilliard simulations were conducted to explore potential phase morphologies under different interfacial conditions. Multi-component Lattice Boltzmann simulations were implemented to model droplet morphology evolution under varying interfacial and diffusive parameters, reproducing experimentally relevant morphologies. A three-phase wetting study revealed conditions for selective wetting and phase encapsulation, with implications for multi-phase compartment design. These results collectively establish a quantitative link between experimentally accessible parameters and predictive phase behavior in ELP mixtures, offering a platform for rational engineering of multi-phase condensates.
Keywords
Lattice Boltzmann Method, Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation, Cahn-Hilliard, Flory-Huggins, interfacial dynamics
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Degree Name
Chemical Engineering
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Chemical and Biological Engineering
First Committee Member (Chair)
Nichlaus J. Carroll
Second Committee Member
Gabriel P. Lopez
Third Committee Member
Dimiter N. Petsev
Fourth Committee Member
Alexander Wagner
Recommended Citation
Quintana, Adam D.. "Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation: Characterizing Elastin-Like-Polypeptides." (2025). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/cbe_etds/125
Included in
Complex Fluids Commons, Fluid Dynamics Commons, Non-linear Dynamics Commons, Polymer Science Commons, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics Commons, Thermodynamics Commons, Transport Phenomena Commons
Comments
The material in this dissertation is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant numbers CBET-2048051 and EF-2318897 along with the Graduate Research Fellowship Program DGE-1939267. The opinions and conclusions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily that of the NSF's.