When selecting the appropriate encapsulation process to meet customer objectives, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists, with collaborative support from clients, evaluate and balance a variety of performance and formulation criteria.

image of general guidelines for comparisons of microcapsule size

Microcapsule size is highly dependent on the process. The above graph illustrates general guidelines.

Encapsulation Process Selection Criteria

Core/shell material properties
- Gas/liquid/solid
- Solubility
- Viscosity/surface tension
- Density
- Reactivity
Capsule size
Capsule percent payload
Capsule morphology
Production capacity
Release profile/mechanism
Stability

Encapsulation Process Applications

Pharmaceuticals
Food and nutraceuticals
Consumer and diversified products
Cosmetics
Agricultural and Industrial

graph: Encapsulation processes offer different levels of complexity, capacity and operating cost with relative comparisons shown in the graph

Encapsulation processes offer different levels of complexity, capacity and operating cost with relative comparisons shown in the graph.

For more information about micro/nano encapsulation process comparisons and capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please fill out and submit the Microencapsulation Requirements form or contact Joseph Persyn, M.S., at jpersyn@swri.org or (210) 522-2691, or James Oxley, Ph.D., at joxley@swri.org or (210) 522-2913.

Contact Information

Joseph Persyn, M.S.

Micro/Nano Encapsulation

(210) 522-2691

jpersyn@swri.org

James Oxley, Ph.D.

Micro/Nano Encapsulation

(210) 522-2913

joxley@swri.org

Related Capabilities

Biochemistry and Biomaterials

Synthesis and Process Chemistry

Material Development

Related Terminology

microencapsulation

nanoencapsulation

pharmaceutical encapsulation

food encapsulation

nutraceuticals

agricultural encapsulation

industrial encapsulation

cosmetics microencapsulation

| Microencapsulation and Nanomaterials Department | Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^®(SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

October 26, 2009