Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
10:51
Microfluidic Fabrication of Core-Shell Microcapsules carrying Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Spheroids
Published on: October 13, 2021
Matrix-assisted colloidosome reverse-phase layer-by-layer encapsulating biomolecules in hydrogel microcapsules with
Wing Cheung Mak1, Jianhao Bai, Xiang Yun Chang
1Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China. chmartin@ust.hk
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|December 25, 2008
Summary
A novel encapsulation method uses microparticles and reverse-phase layer-by-layer assembly to create stable hydrogel microbeads. This technique achieves nearly 100% encapsulation efficiency for biomolecules, preventing leakage and maintaining stability in aqueous environments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly is versatile for capsule formation but traditionally limited by solvent choice and template solubility.
- Existing methods like matrix-assisted LbL and reverse-phase LbL (RP-LbL) struggle with efficient encapsulation of water-soluble biomolecules, especially in complex mixtures.
- Low encapsulation efficiency due to biomolecule leakage remains a significant challenge in current LbL techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel encapsulation method for achieving near-quantitative efficiency for water-soluble biomolecules and complex mixtures.
- To overcome the limitations of existing LbL techniques regarding template solubility and leakage.
- To create stable, encapsulated biomolecules suitable for applications in bioreactors and bioanalytical devices.
Main Methods:
- Developed a hybrid approach combining microparticles for stable hydrogel microbead formation (matrix-assisted colloidosome - MAC) with RP-LbL for capsule membrane fabrication.
- Utilized an oil phase during emulsification and an organic solvent during encapsulation to prevent water-soluble biomolecule diffusion.
- Demonstrated the method using model proteins and assessed encapsulation efficiency and stability.
Main Results:
- Achieved nearly 100% encapsulation efficiency for water-soluble biomolecules, effectively preventing leakage.
- Fabricated microcapsules (MACs) that demonstrated high stability, retaining nearly 100% of encapsulated proteins over a 7-day incubation in water.
- The method proved effective for model proteins and shows potential for broader biomolecule applications.
Conclusions:
- The novel MAC and RP-LbL combination offers a significant advancement in encapsulation technology for water-soluble substances.
- This method effectively addresses the long-standing challenge of biomolecule leakage, enabling high encapsulation efficiency.
- The developed technique holds promise for enhancing the performance and applicability of bioreactors and bioanalytical microcapsules.
