Nanoemulsion gels for personalized delivery of immiscible actives
A thermally responsive nanoemulsion gel platform for personalized co-delivery of immiscible actives using GRAS components, enabling customization of release rates and dosage forms via 3D printing.
Overview
The nanoemulsion gel platform offers a novel solution for the co-delivery of immiscible active ingredients in a single dosage form. Utilizing a thermally responsive oil-in-water nanoemulsion system, this technology allows for the encapsulation or solidification of actives into various dosage formats, such as liquids or solid chews, using food-grade components like lecithin, methyl cellulose, and vitamins. The platform's thermal responsiveness provides tunability in the release rates of different actives, enabling the creation of personalized medications on demand.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes a temperature-responsive co-surfactant, methyl cellulose, to adjust the microstructure and delivery kinetics.
- Incorporates GRAS components such as lecithin and gelatin for enhanced stability and protection of active ingredients.
- Supports various manufacturing processes, including 3D printing and molding, to produce customized dosage formats like capsules, tablets, and gummies.
- In vitro testing confirms that shear forces during 3D printing influence microstructure and bioavailability.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating it has been demonstrated in a laboratory setting. Future validation steps include the formulation of VMS-loaded nanoemulsions, stability assessments, and in vitro testing to evaluate bioavailability in simulated gastrointestinal environments.
About North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Raleigh. Its on‑campus research and technology park co‑locates corporate R&D groups, government partners, and faculty labs, enabling shared facilities, prototyping, and agile contracting. Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, partners tap a dense regional ecosystem while engaging through a statewide extension network and a mature co‑op program that deliver field deployment and workforce pipelines. Multiple pilot and demonstration facilities support scale‑up and validation toward pre‑commercial readiness. Research is supported by competitive funding from major federal agencies, including NSF, USDA, DOE, and DOD, and a dedicated technology transfer office with clear IP pathways helps accelerate commercialization.
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