July 23, 2024 | Benjamin T. Lobel, Daniele Baiocco, Mohammed Al-Sharabi, Alexander F. Routh, Zhibing Zhang, and Olivier J. Cayre
The article "Current Challenges in Microcapsule Designs and Microencapsulation Processes: A Review" by Benjamin T. Lobel et al. provides an overview of the advancements and challenges in microencapsulation technology. Microencapsulation is a widely used method in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, for protecting and delivering active ingredients. However, traditional microcapsules face limitations such as leaching and non-biodegradability, which are addressed by recent efforts to develop more sustainable and efficient microcapsule systems.
The review highlights the importance of biodegradability, particularly in compliance with evolving EU regulations, and discusses key evaluation techniques for assessing biodegradability. It also examines the energy demands associated with microcapsule fabrication and presents common methodologies for microcapsule production. Recent advancements in microcapsule designs that meet current requirements and regulations are discussed, emphasizing the need for biodegradable, energy-efficient, and commercially viable microcapsules.
The article further explores the properties of polymeric shells, including their permeability and the use of cross-linking agents to enhance structural stability and control release rates. It reviews the development of pH and temperature-responsive microcapsules, as well as triggered or burst release capsules, which can be released only when triggered by external stimuli. The use of inorganic shells, such as metal-coated colloidosomes, is also discussed, highlighting their potential for drug delivery and structural augmentation applications.
Overall, the review underscores the ongoing efforts to address the challenges in microencapsulation, particularly in the context of sustainability and regulatory compliance, and highlights the potential of novel microcapsule designs to meet future demands.The article "Current Challenges in Microcapsule Designs and Microencapsulation Processes: A Review" by Benjamin T. Lobel et al. provides an overview of the advancements and challenges in microencapsulation technology. Microencapsulation is a widely used method in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, for protecting and delivering active ingredients. However, traditional microcapsules face limitations such as leaching and non-biodegradability, which are addressed by recent efforts to develop more sustainable and efficient microcapsule systems.
The review highlights the importance of biodegradability, particularly in compliance with evolving EU regulations, and discusses key evaluation techniques for assessing biodegradability. It also examines the energy demands associated with microcapsule fabrication and presents common methodologies for microcapsule production. Recent advancements in microcapsule designs that meet current requirements and regulations are discussed, emphasizing the need for biodegradable, energy-efficient, and commercially viable microcapsules.
The article further explores the properties of polymeric shells, including their permeability and the use of cross-linking agents to enhance structural stability and control release rates. It reviews the development of pH and temperature-responsive microcapsules, as well as triggered or burst release capsules, which can be released only when triggered by external stimuli. The use of inorganic shells, such as metal-coated colloidosomes, is also discussed, highlighting their potential for drug delivery and structural augmentation applications.
Overall, the review underscores the ongoing efforts to address the challenges in microencapsulation, particularly in the context of sustainability and regulatory compliance, and highlights the potential of novel microcapsule designs to meet future demands.