One-step fabrication of supramolecular microcapsules from microfluidic droplets

Science. 2012 Feb 10;335(6069):690-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1215416.

Abstract

Although many techniques exist for preparing microcapsules, it is still challenging to fabricate them in an efficient and scalable process without compromising functionality and encapsulation efficiency. We demonstrated a simple one-step approach that exploits a versatile host-guest system and uses microfluidic droplets to generate porous microcapsules with easily customizable functionality. The capsules comprise a polymer-gold nanoparticle composite held together by cucurbit[8]uril ternary complexes. The dynamic yet highly stable micrometer-sized structures can be loaded in one step during capsule formation and are amenable to on-demand encapsulant release. The internal chemical environment can be probed with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bridged-Ring Compounds* / chemistry
  • Capsules* / chemistry
  • Drug Compounding / methods*
  • Gold
  • Imidazoles* / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
  • Microfluidics*
  • Paraquat / chemistry
  • Polymers* / chemistry
  • Rhodamines
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman

Substances

  • Bridged-Ring Compounds
  • Capsules
  • Imidazoles
  • Polymers
  • Rhodamines
  • cucurbit(8)uril
  • Gold
  • rhodamine B
  • Paraquat