title: Fabrication of novel silicone capsules with tunable mechanical properties by microfluidic techniques.
abstract: A novel approach for the synthesis of silicone capsules using double W/O/W emulsions as templates is introduced. The low viscosity of the silicone precursors enables the use of microfluidic techniques to accurately control the size and morphology of the double emulsion droplets, which after cross-linking result in the desired monodisperse silicone capsules. Their shell thickness can be finely tuned, which in turn allows control over their permeability and mechanical properties; the latter are particularly important in a variety of practical applications where the capsules are subjected to large external forces. The potential of these capsules for controlled release is also demonstrated using a model hydrophilic substance.
authors: Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQAC-CSIC) and CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Neus
authors: N
authors: Vilanova
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Rodríguez-Abreu
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Fernández-Nieves
authors: Conxita
authors: C
authors: Solans
mesh_terms: D002214:Capsules; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000737:chemistry; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D004548:Elasticity; D004655:Emulsions / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009757:Nylons / Q000737:chemistry; D012828:Silicones / Q000737:chemistry*; D001617:beta-Glucosidase / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D003358:Cosmetics; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D004655:Emulsions; D009757:Nylons; D012828:Silicones; C085707:poly(dimethylsiloxane)-polyamide copolymer; D001617:beta-Glucosidase