Ingredient encapsulation in polymeric cargos using Flash NanoPrecipitation

Overview

This solution offers a rapid, scalable encapsulation technology for protecting and delivering active ingredients in beverage and food formulations. Using Flash NanoPrecipitation, hydrophilic or hydrophobic ingredients are entrapped within FDA-approved polymeric cargos such as ethyl cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The process produces stable core-shell particles in which the target ingredient is concentrated at the core and shielded by a polymer shell. This approach enables formulators to improve ingredient stability, control release, and enhance delivery in complex liquid matrices.

Technical specifications

Process and equipment:

• Flash NanoPrecipitation relies on rapid mixing of two miscible liquids through impingement to drive controlled polymer-ingredient-solvent interactions.
• Two custom device platforms are available: a Confined Impinging Jet (CIJ) mixer and a Multi-Inlet Vortex Mixer (MIVM).
• Scalable throughput from 60 mL/min to 550 mL/min, supporting batch volumes from 5 mL to 5 L.

Particle engineering capabilities:

• Core-shell architecture produced via engulfment theory, with the active ingredient localized at the particle core.
• Stabilizing agents such as polymer brushes can be incorporated to provide electrostatic and steric stabilization.
• Tunable particle size controlled through input parameters including polymer selection, solvent system, and operating conditions.
• Applicable to a broad range of payloads, including small molecules, dyes, and oligonucleotides.

Validation approach:

• Design of experiments to optimize polymer-solvent-operating combinations.
• Encapsulation efficiency quantification and enhancement.
• Stability testing under room temperature, refrigerated, and frozen storage.
• In vitro release studies to characterize ingredient release profiles.

Technology readiness level

The Flash NanoPrecipitation platform has been demonstrated at Princeton University for producing structured colloids and encapsulating diverse molecules, including small molecules, dyes, and oligonucleotides, in polymeric and lipid cargos. Current readiness supports pilot-scale production and formulation optimization. A planned 12-month validation roadmap will establish particle size control, storage stability, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release behavior for target ingredients. The technology is well suited for collaborative development with industry partners interested in beverage, nutraceutical, or functional food applications.