Bioinspired Viscoelastic Capsules: Delivery Vehicles and Beyond

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Microcapsules typically serve as individual carriers for active ingredients, enhancing stability and preventing premature reactions.
• Existing applications often overlook the potential of microcapsules as fundamental building blocks for larger structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize microcapsules as primary components for constructing macroscopic, three-dimensional (3D) materials with defined granular architectures.
• To explore the fabrication of advanced soft materials through additive manufacturing of these novel microcapsules.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microcapsules using block-copolymer surfactants functionalized with catechols for metal coordination.
• Self-assembly of surfactants at emulsion drop surfaces, followed by ionic cross-linking to form viscoelastic capsules.
• Characterization of capsule properties, including mechanical strength, flexibility, and low permeability.

Main Results:

• Development of viscoelastic microcapsules with robust mechanical properties and low permeability, effective even for small molecules.
• Demonstration that the unique combination of strength, flexibility, and adhesion allows for additive manufacturing.
• Successful creation of macroscopic granular structures using these microcapsules as building units.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully demonstrates a novel method for creating 3D soft materials from microcapsules.
• This approach enables the 3D printing of soft, self-healing materials with spatially separated, functionalized compartments.
• Opens new avenues for advanced materials design, particularly for applications requiring controlled release or compartmentalization.