Characterisation and applications of microcapsules obtained by interfacial polycondensation

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Microencapsulation is a technique to entrap active ingredients within micro- or nanometer-sized capsules or spheres.
• Interfacial polycondensation involves reactions at phase boundaries to form capsule shells or matrix spheres.
• This method is adaptable to various core materials and shell compositions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the materials, mechanisms, and diverse applications of microencapsulation via interfacial polycondensation.
• To highlight the versatility of this technique in entrapping a wide range of active substances.
• To showcase its utility across multiple industrial and technological sectors.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing interfacial polycondensation reactions at the boundary of water-in-oil, oil-in-water, or oil-in-oil emulsions.
• Incorporating diverse active substances based on their hydrophilic-lipophilic properties.
• Forming microcapsules/microspheres using various shell-forming polymers like polyamines, polyureas, and polyesters.

Main Results:

• Successful encapsulation of numerous active ingredients including proteins, enzymes, drugs, vitamins, and phase change materials.
• Preparation of microcapsules with shell materials such as polyamine, polyurea, polyurethane, polyester, and polysiloxane.
• Demonstrated efficacy in various emulsion types (water-in-oil, oil-in-water, oil-in-oil).

Conclusions:

• Microencapsulation by interfacial polycondensation is a robust technology for entrapping diverse active ingredients.
• The method allows for tailored microcapsule properties through selection of core materials and shell-forming polymers.
• This technique has established widespread applications in fields ranging from pharmaceuticals and agriculture to energy and information technology.