Selective accumulation of dyes and curcumin in a macroscopic complex coacervates composed of morpholinium based ester functionalized ionic liquid and sodium salicylate

One of the most fascinating aspects of living cells that are yet to match by the synthetic self-assembled structures is their complexity, functionality and ability to exchange the analytes and energy fluxes dynamically. Surfactant based coacervates are designed to compete for these properties of living cells and are termed as the protocell models because of their functionalities and wide range of applications. To show the proof-of-concept of our approach to accumulate dyes and biomolecules within macroscopic complex coacervate phases, herein we had designed complex catanionic coacervates through synergistic interactions between the cationic ester functionalized morpholinium based ionic liquid and hydrotropic drug sodium salicylate (NaSal) by merely changing the ionic strength of the solution. Thus prepared complex catanionic coacervates were investigated for their complexation behavior as well salt, viscosity, temperature, pH and time-dependent stability for their realistic applications. Controlled sized coacervate droplets having honeycomb type spongy morphology obtained through microfluidic channel show excellent selective sequestration for the dyes as well as anti-cancer hydrophobic drug, curcumin. Looking at the non-toxic nature of the components used to form the presently investigated complex coacervates, we expect that they could be utilized as low-cost, effective, environment-friendly smart microreactors that can mimic their natural analogous for multiple-purpose applications. • Ester Functionalized morpholinium based surface active IL was synthesized. • C 12 EMorphBr forms catanionic coacervates with sodium salicylate. • Morphology and size of the coacervates were studied through optical microscopy and SEM. • Coacervates show selective sequestration for charged dyes. • Curcumin can be encapsulated in the coacervates.