Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Functional Materials
5 years ago

Osmotic Pressure Triggered Rapid Release of Encapsulated Enzymes with Enhanced Activity

Osmotic Pressure Triggered Rapid Release of Encapsulated Enzymes with Enhanced Activity
David A. Weitz, Hong Zhao, Elizabeth Campbell, Alireza Abbaspourrad, Qingning Li, Yiwei Li, Weixia Zhang, Dong Chen
In this study, a single-step microfluidic approach is reported for encapsulation of enzymes within microcapsules with ultrathin polymeric shell for controlled release triggered by an osmotic shock. Using a glass capillary microfluidic device, monodisperse water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion droplets are fabricated with enzymes in the core and an ultrathin middle oil layer that solidifies to produce a consolidated inert polymeric shell with a thickness of a few tens to hundreds of nanometers. Through careful design of microcapsule membranes, a high percentage of cargo release, over 90%, is achieved, which is triggered by osmotic shock when using poly(methyl methacrylate) as the shell material. Moreover, it is demonstrated that compared to free enzymes, the encapsulated enzyme activity is maintained well for as long as 47 days at room temperature. This study not only extends industrial applications of enzymes, but also offers new opportunities for encapsulation of a wide range of sensitive molecules and biomolecules that can be controllably released upon applying osmotic shock. Encapsulation of enzymes within microcapsules with an ultrathin shell is achieved through a single-step microfluidic process and is triggered released by an osmotic shock. By carefully choosing shell materials, over 90% of release ratio can be obtained. Moreover, the activity of encapsulated enzymes is well maintained for a long period.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201700975

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