Microfluidic melt emulsification for encapsulation and release of actives

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2010 Dec;2(12):3411-6. doi: 10.1021/am100860b. Epub 2010 Nov 17.

Abstract

A microfluidic melt emulsification method for encapsulation and release of actives is presented. Using a water-in-oil-in-water (W-O-W) double emulsion template, solid capsules can be formed by freezing the middle shell phase. Actives encapsulated inside the solid shell can be controllably and rapidly released by applying a temperature trigger to melt the shell. The choice of the shell materials can be chosen to accommodate the storage and release temperatures specific to the applications. In addition, we have also demonstrated the same concept to encapsulate multiple actives in multicompartment capsules, which are promising as multifunctional capsules and microreactors.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Emulsions / chemistry*
  • Hot Temperature
  • Materials Testing
  • Microfluidics / methods*
  • Oils / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Emulsions
  • Oils
  • Water