Polymeric microcapsules for synthetic applications.
For decades scientists have been working on closed systems for transportation, catalysis and protection, which are inspired by natural cells. Only recently polymer based systems have emerged for these systems, since they are more robust, give protection from the environment and give a more stable membrane. Various methods have been developed to prepare polymer based capsules. They can be made by self-assembly, templating, in situ polymerization or precipitation. Their application has been explored in various areas e.g. drug delivery, diagnostics, sensors and nano reactors. Considering the output in this field has substantially grown, more developments can be expected from this latter application.
Lensen
Dennis
D
Department of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Vriezema
Dennis M
DM
van Hest
Jan C M
JC
D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002214:Capsules / Q000737:chemistry*; D002451:Cell Compartmentation; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D011108:Polymers
D002214:Capsules; D011108:Polymers