Abstract
In this article we describe the preparation of bioavailable microcapsules derived from spores of clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) that are composed of protein-free, non-allergenic, and porous sporopollenin, often described as nature’s most robust polymeric system. We describe the adsorption of magnetic materials onto the exterior surfaces of the empty microcapsules and the incorporation of molecular passengers , thereby producing stable , monodispersed, bifunctional particles/vehicles of 25 microns in size that can respond to, or targeted by, applied fields.
Highlights
Microcapsules and functional particles have a wide variety of applications, from paints, coatings, E-inks, thermochromics, time-release pharmaceuticals, to visual indicators, etc
In these studies we demonstrate that we can prepare relatively large quantities (~70 g) of untainted emptied spores of clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) to give robust microcapsules [24] of defined size, which can be doped onto their surfaces with magnetic materials or filled with a variety of ionic and nonionic dyes, singularly or together
We show that the resulting coloured particles of choice can physically respond to the application of an externally applied magnetic field both in terms of linear and rotational fields
Summary
Microcapsules and functional particles have a wide variety of applications, from paints, coatings, E-inks, thermochromics, time-release pharmaceuticals, to visual indicators, etc. The shells of synthetic particles and microcapsules are usually composed of lipids or polymers, or materials such as alginates, gelatin and gum Arabic Their sizes and stabilities vary depending on material selection, production, and the environment of their use. The inner layer of the cell walls of spores and pollen, called the intine, consists mainly of cellulose and pectin [4], which degrades during fossilization Their outer shells, called exines, are composed of sporopollenin, which is often described as nature’s most robust polymeric system [5]. In the plant world Sporopollenin is one of the most resistant substances, and pollen grains and spores can be preserved under anoxic conditions in lakes and fens for thousands to millions of years [8]. They can be used for the reconstruction of earlier vegetation- and climate-conditions
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