Textured Microcapsules through Crystallization

Wilson-Whitford, Samuel R.; Jaggers, Ross W.; Longbottom, Brooke W.; Donald, Matt K.; Clarkson, Guy J.; Bon, Stefan Antonius Franciscus

doi:10.1021/acsami.0c22378

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 59 publications

(92 reference statements)

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“…To the best of our knowledge, such a technique of synthesizing microcapsules using small bis-urea molecules has not been reported so far. A recent study by Wilson-Whitford et al demonstrates the use of molecules with urethane linkages to synthesize crystalline microcapsules . However, the technique utilizes a two-step process along with the use of an organic solvent, wherein shell formation takes place by virtue of solvent evaporation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A recent study by Wilson-Whitford et al demonstrates the use of molecules with urethane linkages to synthesize crystalline microcapsules. 42 However, the technique utilizes a two-step process along with the use of an organic solvent, wherein shell formation takes place by virtue of solvent evaporation. The technology developed in this work uses a contrasting approach, wherein the process is one-pot and completely aqueous, making it greener and more sustainable.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microplastic-Free Microcapsules Using Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Bis-Urea Molecules at an Emulsion Interface

Bhutkar,

Millard,

Preece

et al. 2024

Langmuir

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Encapsulation technology is well established for entrapping active ingredients within an outer shell for their protection and controlled release. However, many solutions employed industrially use nondegradable cross-linked synthetic polymers for shell formation. To curb rising microplastic pollution, regulatory policies are forcing industries to substitute the use of such intentionally added microplastics with environmentally friendly alternatives. This work demonstrates a one-pot process to make microplastic-free microcapsules using supramolecular self-assembly of bis-ureas. Molecular bis-urea species generated in-situ spontaneously self-assemble at the interface of an oil-in-water emulsion via hydrogen bonding to form a shell held together by noncovalent bonds. In addition, Laponite nanodiscs were introduced in the formulation to restrict aggregation observed during the self-assembly and to reduce the porosity of the shell, leading to well-dispersed microcapsules (mean Sauter diameter d [3,2] ∼ 5 μm) with high encapsulation efficiency (∼99%). Accelerated release tests revealed an increase in characteristic release time of the active by more than an order of magnitude after encapsulation. The mechanical strength parameters of these capsules were comparable to some of the commercial, nondegradable melamine−formaldehyde microcapsules. With mild operating conditions in an aqueous environment, this technology has real potential to offer an industrially viable method for producing microplastic-free microcapsules.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic-Free Microcapsules Using Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Bis-Urea Molecules at an Emulsion Interface

Bhutkar,

Millard,

Preece

et al. 2024

Langmuir

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Spherical crystallization is an established particle design technique in which crystallization and agglomeration occur simultaneously, yielding spherical agglomerated crystals with improved micromeritic properties. − This technique offers enhanced powder properties for spherical products. For example, excellent flowability and compressibility for drugs, − improved biocompatible and bioavailability for biomedicine, , anticaking ability for food and fertilizers, , high performance for novel material, , better skin feeling for cosmetics, and so on. Therefore, spherical crystallization has received extensive attention from scholars in recent years.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1−3 This technique offers enhanced powder properties for spherical products. For example, excellent flowability and compressibility for drugs, 5−9 improved biocompatible and bioavailability for biomedicine, 9,10 anticaking ability for food and fertilizers, 11,12 high performance for novel material, 13,14 better skin feeling for cosmetics, 15 and so on. Therefore, spherical crystallization has received extensive attention from scholars in recent years.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%