Current Challenges in Microcapsule Designs and Microencapsulation Processes: A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Microencapsulation protects active ingredients across industries like pharmaceuticals and food.
• Traditional polymeric microcapsules face limitations: leaching, non-biodegradability, and high energy costs.
• UN sustainability goals drive demand for eco-friendly, efficient microencapsulation systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in microencapsulation with an emphasis on sustainable designs.
• To describe key techniques for assessing microcapsule biodegradability according to EU regulations.
• To present fabrication methodologies considering energy demand and recent innovations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microencapsulation technologies and sustainable materials.
• Analysis of biodegradability assessment techniques and their compliance with regulations.
• Evaluation of fabrication methods based on energy consumption and efficiency.

Main Results:

• Identified limitations of conventional microcapsules, including environmental concerns.
• Highlighted promising sustainable microcapsule designs meeting current regulatory standards.
• Detailed energy demands of common microencapsulation fabrication processes.

Conclusions:

• There is a growing need for sustainable microcapsules that are efficient, safe, and cost-effective.
• Biodegradability assessment and energy-efficient manufacturing are crucial for future microencapsulation development.
• Recent advancements offer solutions for creating environmentally friendly microcapsules.