Polymer microcapsules with a fiber-reinforced nanocomposite shell.
Polymer microcapsules can be used as controlled release systems in drugs or in foods. Using layer-by-layer adsorption of common food proteins and polysaccharides, we produced a new type of microcapsule with tunable strength and permeability. The shell consists of alternating layers of pectin and whey protein fibrils, yielding a fiber-reinforced nanocomposite shell. The strength can be tightly controlled by varying the number of layers or the density and length of the fibrils in the protein layers. The mechanical stability of these microcapsules appears to be superior to that of currently available multilayer capsules. The method involves only standard unit operations and has the potential for scaling up to industrial production volumes.
Sagis
Leonard M C
LM
Food Physics Group and Food Process Engineering Group, Wageningen University, Bomenweg 2, 6703HD Wageningen, The Netherlands. leonard.sagis@wur.nl
Ruiter
Riëlle de
Rd
Miranda
Francisco J Rossier
FJ
Ruiter
Jolet de
Jd
Schroën
Karin
K
Aelst
Adriaan C van
AC
Kieft
Henk
H
Boom
Remko
R
Linden
Erik van der
Ev
D002214:Capsules / Q000737:chemistry*; D005612:Freeze Drying; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D010368:Pectins / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D002214:Capsules; D011108:Polymers; D010368:Pectins