Nanoparticle-based Microcapsules for Controlled Release of Active Agents: University of Twente Researchers Develop Scalable Fabrication Method

Researchers at the University of Twente were able to create tiny "antibubbles" using a new method quickly. Previous methods for making these droplets of liquid surrounded by air were not very precise or were slow and prone to getting blocked. The team published their research in the journal Advanced Materials.

Scientists have developed a method for creating small "antibubbles," droplets of liquid surrounded by an air layer. These tiny antibubbles, smaller than one millimeter in size, have many potential uses in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals. Their hydrophobic but porous shell provides an extra layer of protection, allowing the antibubbles to stay intact for several days.

JetALL Method

The lead researcher, Jieke Jiang, explains that using ultrasound can break the hydrophobic shell of the antibubbles at a specific moment, allowing the contents to be released. This can be useful for the controlled release of medicine in specific locations within the body. The team developed a new method called JetALL, which involves using a nozzle to jet through a liquid layer.

They also 3D-printed a small cone-shaped reservoir to hold the liquid layer, a suspension with silica nanoparticles. This forms the outer hydrophobic shell, stabilizing the air layer that makes up the antibubbles. The cone prevents clogging while keeping the liquid layer together through surface tension.

The new method developed by the researchers is very efficient, producing thousands of microcapsules per second, with all the capsules being very similar in size, between 100 to 150 micrometers. The lead researcher, Jieke Jiang, also mentioned that the method could be adapted to use different materials for the protective shell, such as biodegradable materials like polylactic acid (PLA), instead of air. This versatility allows for more precise control over the amount of medicine delivered, making it a promising method for drug delivery.

(Photo: University of Twente)
antibubble

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Antibubbles: Air-Coated Capsules

Additionally, this method can also produce air-coated capsules (antibubbles) in the sub-mm range. The shell has an air film that protects the liquid core for days, yet it can be released quickly within 3 minutes using ultrasound. JetALL is a versatile platform that enables the rapid fabrication of controlled Pickering emulsions, colloidosomes, antibubbles, and biodegradable capsules, providing opportunities for advanced applications in food, pharmacy, and life science., as per Phys.

The University of Twente, located in Enschede, Netherlands, was established in 1961 and is known for its modern campus and multidisciplinary approach to education with a focus on using technology for the benefit of humanity. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Technical and Engineering Sciences, Social Sciences, and Behavioral Sciences.

The university is also recognized for its advanced research institutes, such as the Institutes of Nanotechnology, Biomedical Technological Institute, Centre for Telematics and Information technology, and various centers for international students. The university also has partnerships with the private sector to provide students with practical experience while studying and has a student population of around 7,000.