Visible light-accelerated formation of lipoprotein microgels within all-aqueous emulsions mediated by Au3+
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Date
2026-06-18
Authors
Hu, Keqing
Velders, Aldrik H.
Madadlou, Ashkan
Saggiomo, Vittorio
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academic Press Inc.
Published Version
Abstract
All-aqueous emulsions (AAEs) provide an oil-free template for fabricating biomicrogels. We show that visible light irradiation promotes the Au3+-induced oxidation of tyrosine residues in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), accelerating HDL microgel formation within AAEs. Au3+ is concomitantly reduced to Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). Irradiance at 50 mW cm−2 yielded spherical microgels within ∼3 min, compared to ∼30 min without light (≈10×faster), and higher irradiance produced smaller particles. Fluorescence spectroscopy after AuNPs dissolution with potassium cyanide confirmed rapid di-tyrosine formation (λex ≈330 nm, λem ≈391 nm), with faster kinetics under illumination than in the dark. Wavelength tests indicated that broad visible light was more effective than single-band illumination, consistent with overlap of protein and Au3+/AuNP absorption. Importantly, illumination reduced the Au3+ requirement for gelation. Microgels formed at Au3+-to-HDL ratios as low as 100−300:1 under light, whereas ≈500:1 was needed in the dark. Confocal and electron microscopy verified spherical morphology. These results demonstrate a mild, fully aqueous, and light-assisted route for producing HDL microgels through AAE templating. The work establishes a strategy for HDL microgel formation, while potential applications in microfluidics, 3D bioprinting, and controlled delivery require further investigation.
Description
Keywords
Gelation , Photo-crosslinking , Protein microgels , Visible light , [FoodNutritionalSciences]
Citation
Hu, K, Velders, A H, Madadlou, A & Saggiomo, V 2026, 'Visible light-accelerated formation of lipoprotein microgels within all-aqueous emulsions mediated by Au 3+', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 723, 140930, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2026.140930