Ultrasonic fabrication of biodegradable microcapsules for encapsulation
Innovative ultrasonic technology to produce biodegradable microcapsules for encapsulating hydrophobic active ingredients using sustainable biopolymers, offering controlled release, high loading capacity, and protection against degradation.
Overview
The proposed solution utilizes ultrasonic technology to fabricate biodegradable microcapsules designed for the encapsulation of hydrophobic active ingredients such as nutrients, pesticides, and drugs. This innovative process employs cost-effective, abundant biopolymers like raw egg white proteins, green tea catechins, soy, and corn proteins as shell materials. The technology ensures that the encapsulation process is environmentally friendly, avoiding toxic crosslinkers and organic solvents. The resulting microcapsules boast high loading capacity, biocompatibility, and bioactivity, providing controlled release and protection against environmental degradation.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Biodegradable materials: Utilizes food-grade biopolymers for the shell, ensuring safety and sustainability.
- Ultrasonic fabrication: Employs a 20 kHz ultrasonic generator with a titanium horn tip to optimize microcapsule size (2-5 microns) and shell thickness (200-500 nm).
- Versatile applications: Suitable for encapsulating a variety of hydrophobic ingredients, enhancing their stability and efficacy.
- Environmental protection: Protects encapsulated ingredients from chemical, thermal, and light-induced degradation.
- Process optimization: Adjustments in ultrasonic parameters (pH, temperature, acoustic power, frequency, sonication time) allow for tailored microcapsule characteristics.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, with successful lab-scale demonstration of core-shell microcapsules using ultrasonic fabrication. The next steps include optimizing materials and parameters for scalable production, with plans to validate at pilot scale within one year.
About The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a comprehensive institution spanning STEM, health and clinical practice, business and law, and the creative and social disciplines. Co‑located hospital and research precincts, together with an inner‑city innovation ecosystem, place companies, startups, and researchers in shared labs, prototyping spaces, and studios. Engineering and technology programs connect with advanced manufacturing facilities, while structured industry projects and placements link partners with talent and translational problem‑solving. Work is supported by competitive funding from the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council, with additional backing from state programs and industry partners; a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
delivered to your inbox.