| 초록 |
We present triple emulsion drops with an ultra-thin intermediate layer in a single step microfluidic emulsification, to achieve high encapsulation efficiency and retention of small actives. Using a capillary microfluidic device, we produce monodisperse triple emulsion drops, enveloping an ultra-thin water layer in between the encapsulant and the photocurable oil, which transforms into a polymeric shell upon UV illumination. This allow us to encapsulate hydrophobic cargo with high efficiency within polymeric shell with similar polarity. We demonstrate that the ultra-thin water layer can be tuned by adding hydrogel precursor; the polymerized hydrogel shell provides a physical barrier that separates the hydrophobic cargo from directly contacting the polymer shell. This hydrogel shell enables enhanced retention of highly volatile small organic compound (fragrance) that are known to be very challenging. In addition, by utilizing the omniphobic fluorocarbon oil as the ultra-thin intermediate layer, we encapsulate a broad range of polar and non-polar cargoes in a single platform. |
