title: Encapsulation of Either Hydrophilic or Hydrophobic Substances in Spongy Cellulose Particles.
abstract: We have reported cellulose particles with a spongy structure that we prepared by the solvent releasing method (SRM) from cellulose droplets composed of cellulose, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumchrolide ([Bmim]Cl), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The spongy structure collapsed as the medium evaporated, resulting in dense cellulose particles. In this study, we encapsulated the hydrophilic and hydrophobic fluorescent substances in these particles to investigate the use of such particles in potential applications that require encapsulating of substances (e.g., drug delivery). Wet cellulose particles retained their spongy structure in both hydrophobic and hydrophilic media. When the spongy cellulose particles were dispersed in a solution containing nonvolatile solutes, these solutes were driven into the cellulose particles as media evaporated. Subsequently, the cellulose particles collapsed and encapsulated the nonvolatile solutes. Regardless of whether the solute was hydrophilic or hydrophobic, the encapsulation efficiency exceeds 80%. The maximum loading reflected the saturated solubility of solute in solution that filled the cellulose beads. Moreover, the encapsulated solute was released by dispersing the cellulose beads in the solvent, and the rate of release of the encapsulated solute could be controlled by coating the cellulose beads with a conventional polymer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduated School of Engineering, Kobe University , Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
authors.forename: Taro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Omura
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduated School of Engineering, Kobe University , Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
authors.forename: Kaori
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Imagawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduated School of Engineering, Kobe University , Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
authors.forename: Kyosuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kono
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduated School of Engineering, Kobe University , Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
authors.forename: Toyoko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduated School of Engineering, Kobe University , Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
authors.forename: Hideto
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6173-6597
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Minami
keywords: cellulose particle; encapsulation; fragile structure; ionic liquid; spongy structure