Encapsulation of oils using biodegradable core-shell structures
A novel encapsulation technology using biodegradable core-shell structures for oils, utilizing Pickering emulsions and silica nanoparticles. Ideal for agriculture, the capsules are sprayable via drones and offer controlled release through pH and dilution changes.
Overview
This innovative encapsulation technology employs biodegradable core-shell structures to encapsulate oils, using Pickering emulsions with silica nanoparticles. These capsules are designed to encapsulate active materials dissolved in oils such as sunflower or soybean oil, making them ideal for agricultural applications. The technology allows for controlled release of the encapsulated substances by altering pH or through dilution, ensuring precise application and minimal waste. The capsules' size and composition make them suitable for drone spraying, enhancing efficiency in agricultural practices.
Technical specifications
The encapsulation process uses silica nanoparticles partially hydrophobized by surfactants and polymers, which adsorb at the oil/water interface to form stable shells. The outer layer, composed of polymers, ensures thermodynamic stability. Key materials include biodegradable surfactants like potassium oleate and natural polymers such as Guar gum and Natrosol™ 250 HHR CS. The manufacturing process utilizes standard homogenization techniques like ultrasonication and rotor-stator homogenization, allowing for easy integration into existing production lines. The capsule sizes are optimized for agricultural spraying and are cost-effective, aligning with industry standards.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology has been validated through initial experimental setups. Future validation plans include comprehensive testing of Pickering emulsion preparation, optimization of component concentrations, and stability assessments. The research aims to complete these validations within one year, supported by a funding requirement of $80,000.
About Sofia University
Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" gives corporate R&D teams a foothold into Southeast Europe's most established research base, with formal mechanisms already built for outside partners. Its INSAIT institute, structured as an international AI and computer science center, actively recruits global faculty and runs frontier research that industry can plug into directly. The university's dedicated High-tech Business Center and technology transfer function, developed in partnership with WIPO, EPO, and EUIPO, exist specifically to move research into commercial hands through licensing and IP agreements. Sponsors also gain access through credit-bearing internships, corporate research collaborations, and joint EU consortia, giving multiple structured routes from early contact to a working engagement.
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