Microencapsulation | Southwest Research Institute

Microencapsulation and nanoencapsulation are the entrapment of an active ingredient (solid, liquid or gas) within a protective shell or matrix. Different morphologies, particle sizes, payloads and formulations provide different protection and controlled release for a variety of applications and industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, consumer products, paints, coatings, agriculture and more.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a recognized leader in the field of encapsulation with over 75 years of research and development experience ranging from proof-of-concept to production. SwRI has conducted thousands of microencapsulation, nanoencapsulation, micronization and particle engineering projects for numerous clients spanning a wide variety of application areas.

Two images: microencapsulation matrix graphic; James Oxley doing tung oil pesticide testing

SwRI helps clients formulate and produce encapsulation solutions based on morphologies, particle sizes, materials, industry applications and other variables.

Microencapsulation R&D Services

We tailor our approach for each encapsulation design and development project to improve existing encapsulation systems or evaluate new materials and processes. A client may need help masking the taste of a new chewable multivitamin or maybe developing a phase-change paint or coating for playground equipment that changes color when it’s too hot to touch. Core capabilities include:

Laboratories & Characterization	Formulation & Techniques
Using analytical and physical methods in SwRI laboratories to characterize particles and encapsulated ingredients. Microencapsulation Characterization	Identifying the right formula for encapsulation systems based on particle sizes, materials and applications. Microencapsulation Formulation & Process Development

Microencapsulation Technologies

SwRI improves existing methods and investigates new encapsulation concepts and applications in-house. Based on each program, we can apply the appropriate encapsulation processes including atomization, spray coating, coextrusion, emulsion-based methods, and nanoencapsulation techniques to produce capsules with sizes from tens of nanometers to several millimeters.

Technologies With over 30 processes and in-house laboratories, SwRI is uniquely positioned to help identify the best process for an application. Microencapsulation Techniques	Atomization Spray Coating Coextrusion Emulsion-based Processes Nanoencapsulation

Microencapsulation Applications

SwRI has conducted thousands of projects spanning an equal number of applications for encapsulation. We work with clients ranging from small virtual startups or university laboratories to the largest companies in the world to develop novel encapsulation solutions. The breadth of our experience provides unique insight into the challenges of microencapsulation and provides cross-disciplinary inspiration for new developments.

Industry Applications Finding solutions for your encapsulation project by industries, regulatory compliance, equipment needs and more. Microencapsulation Applications	Pharmaceuticals Food & Nutraceuticals Flavors & Fragrances Consumer Products Cosmetics Agriculture Paints & Coatings Industrial

Training & News

SwRI has pioneered the field of encapsulation since 1949, holding multiple patents for microencapsulation processes, and we continue to expand our legacy by publishing research and offering training, including the Introduction to Microencapsulation Workshop. Visit the SwRI Microencapsulation FAQ to learn more about our history and capabilities. Subscribe to our Microencapsulation Newsletter to learn more.