Core-shell micro/nanocapsules: from encapsulation to applications

J Microencapsul. 2023 May;40(3):125-156. doi: 10.1080/02652048.2023.2178538. Epub 2023 Feb 28.

Abstract

Encapsulation is the way to wrap or coat one substance as a core inside another tiny substance known as a shell at micro and nano scale for protecting the active ingredients from the exterior environment. A lot of active substances, such as flavours, enzymes, drugs, pesticides, vitamins, in addition to catalysts being effectively encapsulated within capsules consisting of different natural as well as synthetic polymers comprising poly(methacrylate), poly(ethylene glycol), cellulose, poly(lactide), poly(styrene), gelatine, poly(lactide-co-glycolide)s, and acacia. The developed capsules release the enclosed substance conveniently and in time through numerous mechanisms, reliant on the ultimate use of final products. Such technology is important for several fields counting food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, agriculture, and textile industries. The present review focuses on the most important and high-efficiency methods for manufacturing micro/nanocapsules and their several applications in our life.

Keywords: Encapsulation; agriculture; cosmetics; micro/nanocapsules; pharmacy; textile.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Nanocapsules*
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Polymers

Substances

  • Nanocapsules
  • Polymers
  • Polyethylene Glycols