Novel Multifunctional Micro‐Ampoules for Structuring and Encapsulation

Abstract

Micro‐ampoules: A novel method for the scalable fabrication of micro‐rod‐capsules made from edible materials is described. The capsules closely resemble ampoules by having multiple compartments loaded with oils (see picture). Such novel micro‐ampoules could find application in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or food industries.

Shellac Thin Films Obtained by Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE)

“…In pharmaceutics, shellac can be used for encapsulation and micro encapsulation [11] as an enteric coating due to its acidic character, delivering the drug to the colon for specific applications [12][13][14]. Kumpugdee-Vollrath et al obtained controlled drug release using coatings of shellac and pectine in [15].…”

Functional and Engineered Colloids from Edible Materials for Emerging Applications in Designing the Food of the Future

“…Colloidal grades of MCC (obtained by coprocessing MCC with other hydrocolloids) are known to provide fat‐mimetic structure (i.e., consistency and mouthfeel) in reduced fat and no‐fat products through the formation of a 3D gel network in water or a pliable network of swollen spherical particles . Cellulose ethers, such as EC (being a hydrophobic polymer), have been used to produce particles such as spherical colloidal particles, microfibers, and microampoules ( Figure a–c) using a simple, scalable liquid–liquid dispersion technique . These particles can stabilize air–water and oil–water interfaces in food foams and emulsions.…”

“…Scale bars for images in 9C, 9E, 9G, 9H and 9I are 20, 100, 50,10, and 1 µm, respectively. All panels are reproduced with permission . Copyright 2008, 2009, 2012, The Royal Society of Chemistry, & 2017, Elsevier.…”

“…A variety of colloidal structures ranging from nanoscale colloidal particles to biphasic colloids to macroscale beads to bulk gels have been successfully fabricated using shellac alone or combination of shellac with other components such as divalent cations and biopolymers ( Figure ). Spherical nanoscale colloidal particles and anisotropic microscale particles can easily be manufactured using the liquid–liquid dispersion technique . The formation of anisotropic particles is induced by manipulating the viscosity of the continuous phase and by application of shear during the mixing of the stock solution of shellac in the organic solvent with the continuous aqueous phase .…”

“…Spherical nanoscale colloidal particles and anisotropic microscale particles can easily be manufactured using the liquid–liquid dispersion technique . The formation of anisotropic particles is induced by manipulating the viscosity of the continuous phase and by application of shear during the mixing of the stock solution of shellac in the organic solvent with the continuous aqueous phase . Such unusual microscale particles can be utilized to stabilized air–water interfaces in food foams and as carriers for encapsulation .…”