Advanced encapsulation of active ingredients via multiple emulsions = Advanced encapsulation of active ingredients via multiple emulsions

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

We present multiple layered emulsion drops with an ultra-thin intermediate layer in a single step microfluidic emulsification, to achieve high encapsulation efficiency and retention of small actives. Using a capillary microfluidic device, we produce monodisperse triple emulsion drops, enveloping an ultra-thin water layer in between the encapsulant and the photocurable oil, which transforms into a polymeric shell upon UV illumination. We demonstrate that the ultra-thin water layer can be tuned by adding hydrogel precursor; the polymerized hydrogel shell provides a physical barrier that separates the hydrophobic cargo from directly contacting the polymer shell. This hydrogel shell enables enhanced retention of highly volatile small organic compound (fragrance) that are known to be very challenging. In addition, by utilizing the omniphobic fluorocarbon oil as the ultra-thin intermediate layer, we encapsulate a broad range of polar and non-polar cargoes in a single platform.