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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
10:51
Microfluidic Fabrication of Core-Shell Microcapsules carrying Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Spheroids
Published on: October 13, 2021
Capillary-Wave-Induced 'Endocytosis' Enables Programmable Core-Shell Capsules Formation for Controlled Release
Yi Huang1, Sihang Liu1, Shuai Yin2
1National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Aero-Engine Aero-Thermodynamics, Research Institute of Aero-Engine, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers discovered a novel fluidic encapsulation method called 'endocytosis'. This process uses droplet impact to create stable, double-layered liquid structures, enabling controlled release applications in drug delivery and materials science.
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Droplet-liquid pool interactions are crucial for advanced encapsulation.
- Existing methods often require surfactants and complex control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel droplet-liquid pool interaction phenomenon.
- To develop a surfactant-free encapsulation strategy with tunable release.
Main Methods:
- Investigated aqueous droplet impact on immiscible liquid pools.
- Utilized UV-crosslinkable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) for hydrogel formation.
- Analyzed capillary wave focusing and Rayleigh-Plateau instability.
Main Results:
- Observed and termed a new 'endocytosis' phenomenon where droplets engulf pool liquid.
- Developed a dimensionless criterion for central column formation based on viscous dissipation.
- Achieved tunable core-shell hydrogel capsules by controlling impact velocity.
- Demonstrated distinct release profiles (sustained vs. delayed burst) based on shell thickness.
Conclusions:
- The 'endocytosis' phenomenon offers a simple, surfactant-free method for liquid encapsulation.
- Impact velocity is a single parameter to control capsule structure and release kinetics.
- This strategy presents new opportunities for on-demand drug delivery and responsive materials.
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