Abstract
Biocompatible microencapsulation is of widespread interest for the targeted delivery of active species in fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and agro-chemistry. Capsules obtained by the self-assembly of polymers at interfaces enable the combination of responsiveness to stimuli, biocompatibility and scaled up production. Here, we present a one-step method to produce in situ membranes at oil-water interfaces, based on the hydrogen bond complexation of polymers between H-bond acceptor and donor in the oil and aqueous phases, respectively. This robust process is realized through different methods, to obtain capsules of various sizes, from the micrometer scale using microfluidics or rotor-stator emulsification up to the centimeter scale using drop dripping. The polymer layer exhibits unique self-healing and pH-responsive properties. The membrane is viscoelastic at pH = 3, softens as pH is progressively raised, and eventually dissolves above pH = 6 to release the oil phase. This one-step method of preparation paves the way to the production of large quantities of functional capsules.
Highlights
Droplets of biocompatible oils, Miglyol 812 and IPM, with a membrane composed of biocompatible polymers, PMAA (poly(methacrylic acid)) and phase containing the hydrogen-bond-acceptor polymer (PPO) (poly(propylene oxide))
Droplets of biocompatible oils, Miglyol 812 and IPM, with a membrane composed of biocompatible polymers, PMAA (poly(methacrylic acid)) and PPO (poly(propylene oxide))
The oil can be released from the capsules, offering new opportunities for encapsulation and triggered release of active species that could be potentially used in various domains such as environmental, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries
Summary
Droplets of biocompatible oils, Miglyol 812 (caprylic/capric triglyceride) and IPM (isopropyl myristate), with a membrane composed of biocompatible polymers, PMAA (poly(methacrylic acid)) and PPO (poly(propylene oxide)). We show the pH-responsiveness of the membrane, as it softens when the pH is raised and even dissolves at pH > 6. The oil can be released from the capsules, offering new opportunities for encapsulation and triggered release of active species that could be potentially used in various domains such as environmental, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries
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