Core-shell capsules for encapsulation of particles, colloids, and cells
AssigneeVersitech Limited
InventorsHo Cheung Shum, Yang Song
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for preparing capsules, such as micro- and/or nanocapsules from all-aqueous emulsions are described herein. The method includes mixing, combining, or contacting a first electrically charged phase containing a first solute with at least an optionally charged second phase containing a second solute. The solutes are incompatible with each other. The electrostatic forces between the two solutions induce the formation of droplets of a dispersed phase in a continuous phase. The droplets are then solidified to form the capsules.
Claims20
1-10. (canceled)
Capsules comprising a core and a shell prepared by a method comprising (a) forming a coaxial jet comprising an electrically charged aqueous core phase containing a first solute and an optionally charged aqueous shell phase containing a shell forming material and a second solute which is incompatible with the first solute;
- (b) breaking up the jet to form core-shell structured droplets;
- and (c) solidifying the droplets to form the capsules.
A biocompatible capsule comprising
- (a) a liquid core, and
- (b) a solid or semi-solid shell,
- wherein the core contains a first solute selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), dextran, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP);
- tripotassium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium sulfate, and disodium phosphate;
- wherein the solid or semi-solid shell comprises a hydrogel-forming material as a second solute prior to solidification;
- and
- wherein the core, the shell, or both comprise one or more therapeutic, prophylactic, diagnostic agents, and/or cells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.