SwRI: Nanoencapsulation, including microencapsulation, release characteristics, nanocapsules, scanning transmission electron micrograph, nanocarriers, nanosized particles, and nanoparticles.

  image of bone-targeting nanocarriers that release their payload following attachment to the target site. Payload release may occur by natural nanocarrier degradation, application of external stimuli, administration of a complementary factor in schedule, or in response to local biochemical signals
 

SwRI scientists developed bone-targeting nanocarriers that release their payload following attachment to the target site. Payload release may occur by natural nanocarrier degradation, application of external stimuli, administration of a complementary factor in schedule, or in response to local biochemical signals.

Nanocapsules can be used in combination with other microencapsulation methods to provide new release characteristics. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists work extensively with a number of nanoencapsulation techniques to produce nanosized particles and capsules that address the high performance needs of many applications.

 

Nanoencapsulation Techniques

SwRI staff routinely use the following nanoencapsulation techniques:

  • Micelles

  • Liposomes and polymersomes

  • Phase inversion/precipitation

  • Solvent evaporation

  • Polyelectrolyte complexes

  • Layer-by-layer deposition

  • Controlled precipitation

      image of scanning transmission electron micrograph showing silver nanoparticles encapsulated in a silica shell
     

    This scanning transmission electron micrograph shows silver nanoparticles encapsulated in a silica shell.

  • Surfactant-free particle formation

  • Templating

  • Molecular encapsulation

Nanoencapsulation Applications

  • Protein, DNA and RNA stabilization

  • Small molecule delivery

  • Extending circulatory half-life

  • Modifying drug transport

  • Clear liquid formulations

  • Stable colloid dispersions

  • Controlled release

  • Targeted delivery

  • Triggered release

Characteristics of Nanoencapsulation

  image of graph showing size and intensity: A variety of nanoencapsulation techniques are practiced at SwRI to match the growing demand for these technologies.
 

A variety of nanoencapsulation techniques are practiced at SwRI to match the growing demand for these technologies.

  • Particle sizes from 10nm

  • Tunable colloid properties

  • Chemically functionalized

    surfaces

  • Hydrophobic or hydrophilic payloads

  • Low payloads

  • Organic or inorganic compositions

  • High surface area particles

     

For more information about microencapsulation or nanoencapsulation 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.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.