Optimizing hydrophobic encapsulation with flow reactors
Innovative nanomaterial encapsulation using flow reactors to enhance efficiency and reduce size variation, applicable in medical and agricultural fields.
Overview
This solution involves optimizing hydrophobic encapsulation strategies using flow reactors, specifically targeting nanomaterial synthesis. The process enhances encapsulation efficiency and reduces nanoparticle size variation. It is applicable in synthesizing polymer, lipid, and inorganic carriers for hydrophobic actives, with potential applications in medical and agricultural fields.
Technical specifications
The technology utilizes semicontinuous and continuous flow reactors, including flash nanoprecipitation and electrohydrodynamic mixing. These reactors achieve high supersaturation levels, crucial for improved encapsulation and reduced size variation. The system is adaptable to high viscosity solutions, with electrohydrodynamic mixing showing particular promise. Recent advancements include in-line monitoring through absorbance and fluorescence, and potential dynamic process control using machine learning to adjust flow rates based on viscosity. High-temperature versions of the system are also available, which can thin incoming streams by heating.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at a TRL 6, indicating prototype development and validation in relevant environments. The system is ready for further testing and optimization to meet specific industrial needs.
About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Columbus, serving one of the nation’s largest student populations and a broad research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an integrated academic medical center for clinical translation, a campus‑adjacent innovation district for co‑located projects, and a statewide extension network that pilots solutions across Ohio. Corporate engagement provides a single front door for sponsored research, talent pipelines, and streamlined agreements. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, DoD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support help protect IP, license technologies, and launch startups.
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