Capsules with a hydrogel matrix

A method for generating capsules with a hydrogel matrix, the method comprising the steps:

• a. providing in a first chamber a dispersed aqueous phase, the dispersed aqueous phase comprising water and a hydrogel matrix-forming agent, wherein the hydrogel matrix-forming agent is configured to form a hydrogel matrix upon exposure to a gelation inducer;
• b. providing in a second chamber a continuous oil phase, the continuous oil phase comprising oil and at least one first surfactant;
• wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidically connected by multiple channels;
• and wherein the method further comprises:
• c. guiding the dispersed aqueous phase from the first chamber through the multiple channels into the second chamber to form an emulsion or a dispersion of the dispersed aqueous phase in the continuous oil phase;
• and
• d. exposing the hydrogel matrix-forming agent to the gelation inducer to form capsules with a hydrogel matrix,
• wherein the dispersed aqueous phase of step a. further comprises a masked gelation-inducer agent, wherein the masked gelation-inducer agent and the hydrogel matrix-forming agent are configured such that they do essentially not react with each other to form a hydrogel matrix and wherein step d. comprises liberation of the gelation inducer from the masked gelation-inducer agent.