Mother-ship capsule system for co-encapsulation and controlled release of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules

Overview

This technology is a hydrogel-based mother-ship capsule system that enables the co-encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules within a single, multi-compartmental structure. The design uses a hydrogel matrix coated with a unique temperature- and pH-responsive hydrogen-bonded multilayer shell, produced via Layer-by-Layer techniques. The mother-ship capsules are approximately 3 mm in size and carry a large number of smaller cargoes of roughly 10–20 µm, allowing multiple active ingredients to be loaded and released independently or together.

The platform addresses a key challenge in functional delivery: protecting sensitive molecules from harsh environments while controlling their release. By combining transport resistances from both the outer shell and the inner compartments, the system prolongs release and preserves biomolecules in their native form. A proof-of-concept study has already demonstrated co-encapsulation and release of lipase enzyme and a model hydrophobic dye, and the approach is extendable to beverage ingredients, nutraceuticals, and other applications requiring multi-component delivery.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Multi-compartmental architecture: ~3 mm mother-ship capsules containing numerous ~10–20 µm inner cargoes, enabling co-loading of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules in one system
• Stimuli-responsive release: pH- and temperature-triggered release through hydrogen-bonded multilayer coatings, allowing defined release rates
• Broad pH stability: capsules remain stable across pH 2–9 and undergo controlled morphological transformation outside this range
• Biomolecule protection: encapsulated biomolecules retain their native form during storage and release
• Flexible inner cargoes: inner compartments can carry hydrophilic molecules, hydrophobic molecules, or oil droplets, broadening formulation options
• Scalable fabrication: Layer-by-Layer process adaptable to both macro- and micro-sized capsules and compatible with batch and continuous manufacturing

Technology readiness level

The concept has been validated through a proof-of-concept study demonstrating co-encapsulation and controlled release of lipase enzyme and nile red as a model hydrophobic molecule. The underlying Layer-by-Layer assembly methods and stimuli-responsive multilayer chemistries have been established through prior work on pH- and temperature-responsive systems. The next stage of validation will demonstrate encapsulation and release of beverage ingredients using the mother-ship design, with planned extension to microscale capsules. The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development, suitable for collaborative refinement, pilot trials, and application-specific co-development with industry partners.