SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Atomization

Extrusion

Nanoencapsulation

Chemical Techniques

Encapsulation Process Comparison

Encapsulation Process Applications:

Pharmaceuticals

Food & Nutraceuticals

Consumer & Diversified Products

Agricultural & Industrial

Encapsulation Release Mechanisms

Product Characterization

Microencapsulation Requirements Form

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	SwRI scientists developed bone-targeting nanocarriers that release their payload following attachment to the target site. Payload release may occur by natural nanocarrier degradation, application of external stimuli, administration of a complementary factor in schedule, or in response to local biochemical signals.

Nanocapsules can be used in combination with other microencapsulation methods to provide new release characteristics. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists work extensively with a number of nanoencapsulation techniques to produce nanosized particles and capsules that address the high performance needs of many applications.

• Micelles

• Liposomes and polymersomes

• Phase inversion/precipitation

• Solvent evaporation

• Polyelectrolyte complexes

• Layer-by-layer deposition

• Controlled precipitation

  	This scanning transmission electron micrograph shows silver nanoparticles encapsulated in a silica shell.

• Surfactant-free particle formation

• Templating

• Molecular encapsulation

Nanoencapsulation Applications

• Protein, DNA and RNA stabilization

• Small molecule delivery

• Extending circulatory half-life

• Modifying drug transport

• Clear liquid formulations

• Stable colloid dispersions

• Controlled release

• Targeted delivery

• Triggered release

Characteristics of Nanoencapsulation

	A variety of nanoencapsulation techniques are practiced at SwRI to match the growing demand for these technologies.

• Particle sizes from 10nm

• Tunable colloid properties

• Chemically functionalized

  surfaces

• Hydrophobic or hydrophilic payloads

• Low payloads

• Organic or inorganic compositions

• High surface area particles

   

For more information about microencapsulation or nanoencapsulation capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please fill out and submit the Microencapsulation Requirements form or contact Joseph Persyn, M.S., at jpersyn@swri.org or (210) 522-2691, or James Oxley, Ph.D., at joxley@swri.org or (210) 522-2913. 

| Microencapsulation and Nanomaterials Department | Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

October 26, 2009