Encapsulation and controlled release

Controlled the release via encapsulation is a technique that enables precise control over when, where, and how much of an active substance is released within applications such as wound care, cosmetics, and agriculture. Through advanced formulation and physical modeling/simulation (in silico), we can predict and tailor the release profile.

The specific function of many products is often provided by so called active substances. These may include antimicrobial agents or growth factors in wound care products and implants, antioxidants and vitamins in cosmetic products and health supplements, or pesticides in agricultural products. The functionality of all these products relies on the release of an active substance, either to the product’s surface or into a liquid volume in contact with the product. For optimal effect, the active substances must be released at the right time, in the right amount, and to the right target area.

A common challenge is uncontrolled and rapid release of large amounts of active substances, which leads to shorter product lifespans and significant losses to the environment. Many substances are highly potent and require precise control over the released amounts to be both safe and effective. This is strictly regulated for biocides, pesticides, and other antimicrobial agents under various regulatory frameworks such as the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) ((EU) 528/2012), the Legislation on Plant Protection ((EC) 1107/2009), and the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) ((EU) 2017/745). By implementing technologies that achieve controlled release of these substances, we can

enable an improved resource efficiency
- by extending the product’s lifespan
- while maintaining its efficiency
and minimize environmental emissions
thus ensuring regulatory compliance.

Our Offering

RISE has extensive experience in the development, formulation, and modeling of systems for the controlled release of active substances. Release profiles can be designed to provide:

Sustained (extended) release over periods ranging from days to years, or
Triggered release, activated by external stimuli such as light, temperature, or changes in pH or salinity.

In many cases, encapsulating the active substances in delivery vehicles – such as biopolymer-based micro-/nanocapsules and microgels, liposomes, or mesoporous silica nanoparticles – is an efficient way to achieve these release characteristics. We can also incorporate these delivery vehicles as additives into subsequent processes for manufacturing product prototypes, such as fiber-based wound dressings or 3D-bioprinted implants. In the final prototype, the release rate is entirely governed by the delivery vehicles. Encapsulation can also be done directly within the material prototype, for example by producing melt-spun multicomponent fibres where one phase contains the active substance.

Modeling is a powerful tool for both predicting and tailoring the release profile. By extracting a limited set of key release parameters, the functional lifespan of a product can be easily adjusted using simple product design to meet specific performance requirements.

We offer development and subsequent evaluation of materials with specific release properties. This evaluation can include both quantification of release profiles and assessment of efficiency in, for example, biological systems. Please feel free to contact us for more information.