One-step fabrication of supramolecular microcapsules from microfluidic droplets.
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.
Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
Jing
J
Zhang
Roger J
RJ
Coulston
Samuel T
ST
Jones
Jin
J
Geng
Oren A
OA
Scherman
Chris
C
Abell
D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D002214:Capsules / Q000737:chemistry; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000379:methods*; D006046:Gold; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000737:chemistry; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D044085:Microfluidics; D010269:Paraquat / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D012235:Rhodamines; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D047028:Macrocyclic Compounds; D000099246:Cucurbit(n)urils
D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds; D002214:Capsules; D006046:Gold; D007093:Imidazoles; D010269:Paraquat; D011108:Polymers; D012235:Rhodamines; C507198:cucurbit(8)uril; D047028:Macrocyclic Compounds; D000099246:Cucurbit(n)urils; C029773:rhodamine B