SwRI: Encapsulation Release Mechanisms, including microencapsulation, nanoencapsulation, encapsulation, release mechanisms, controlled release, osmotic release, microcapsules, and capsule formulations.

To achieve one or more release mechanisms to meet product performance requirements, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists develop particle and capsule formulations and routinely fine tunes these formulations and their particle properties to tailor release rate and/or release profile.

 

Common Controlled Release Profiles

  image of mechanically ruptured microcapsules that are used to manufacture paper products such as scratch and sniff items and carbonless copy paper
 

Mechanically ruptured microcapsules are used to manufacture paper products such as scratch and sniff items and carbonless copy paper.

   
 
 

Osmotic release is triggered by the absorption of water into the microcapsule core. Subsequent swelling ruptures the microcapsule shell.

  • Triggered release

    • Release occurs due to a change in environment, such as:

      • pH

      • Temperature

      • Moisture

      • Pressure

      • Electromagnetic changes

    • This is used to achieve immediate, delayed or pulsatile release profiles.

  • Sustained release

    • Release occurs for an extended period of time.

    • This can be used to achieve constant active ingredient exposure for a fixed period.

  • Burst release

  • Combination release profiles

Release Mechanisms

  • Diffusion

  • Dissolution

  • Molecular trigger (such as pH)

  • Biodegradation

  • Thermal

  • Mechanical

  • Osmotic

  • Biochemical

 

graph illustrating that particle size is one of many parameters that may be adjusted to control release rates of encapsulated ingredients

Particle size is one of many parameters that may be adjusted to control release rates of encapsulated ingredients.

 

For more information about micro/nano encapsulation release mechanisms and 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.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.