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On-line Access: 2026-01-15
Received: 2025-01-07
Revision Accepted: 2025-09-04
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Microfluidic-templating fabrication of milli-capsules with ultrarigid and homogeneous shells for long-term retention and explosive release of water-soluble cargoes
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Haoyue Zhang. Microfluidic-templating fabrication of milli-capsules with ultrarigid and homogeneous shells for long-term retention and explosive release of water-soluble cargoes[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science D, 2026, 9(1): 153 - 164.
@article{title="Microfluidic-templating fabrication of milli-capsules with ultrarigid and homogeneous shells for long-term retention and explosive release of water-soluble cargoes",
author="Haoyue Zhang",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science D",
volume="9",
number="1",
pages="153 - 164",
year="2026",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1631/bdm.2500013"
}
%0 Journal Article
%T Microfluidic-templating fabrication of milli-capsules with ultrarigid and homogeneous shells for long-term retention and explosive release of water-soluble cargoes
%A Haoyue Zhang
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE D
%V 9
%N 1
%P 153 - 164
%@ 1869-1951
%D 2026
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
%DOI 10.1631/bdm.2500013
TY - JOUR
T1 - Microfluidic-templating fabrication of milli-capsules with ultrarigid and homogeneous shells for long-term retention and explosive release of water-soluble cargoes
A1 - Haoyue Zhang
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science D
VL - 9
IS - 1
SP - 153
EP - 164
%@ 1869-1951
Y1 - 2026
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
ER -
DOI - 10.1631/bdm.2500013
Abstract: Encapsulation of water-soluble cargoes in millimeter-sized capsules has enabled major advances in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, packaging, and materials. However, because of the lack of fabrication precision, low cargo retention, suboptimal mechanical properties, and difficulty in preventing water evaporation, this technique is more challenging than microencapsulation techniques. In this study, we developed a surfactant-free and organic solvent-free water-in-oil-in-air emulsification approach for synthesizing double-layered milli-capsules for the precise encapsulation, enhanced retention, and force-triggered burst release of water-soluble bioactive cargoes. In particular, we synthesized milli-capsules with a first shell of poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) for the efficient encapsulation of bioactive cargoes and a second shell of beeswax to prolong the retention of the entrapped bioactive compounds. Unlike traditional milli-capsules, which exhibit poor shape uniformity and mechanical stability, we introduced metallic ions to stabilize the interfacial tension and employed constant rotation to balance the gravity, buoyancy, inertial, and viscous forces imposed on the droplets, resulting in uniform and rigid milli-capsules with narrow rupture forces. Furthermore, additional hydrophobic beeswax coating prevented water volatilization and substantially prolonged the shelf life of the encapsulated compounds from a few days to a few months while maintaining their bioactivities. The proposed milli-capsule system addresses the challenge of precise fabrication of large carriers for water-soluble cargoes, representing a significant step toward the long-term storage and controlled release of bioactive cargoes for various industrial applications.
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