Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM
Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM

Our technology is the bodyguard that gets your ingredient safely to its destination.

© Fraunhofer IMM

Encapsulation of Active Ingredients

Innovative processes for the production of polymer-based particles

Setup for continuous encapsulation
© Fraunhofer IMM
Setup for continuous encapsulation
IMM-micromixer for effective emulsification
© Fraunhofer IMM
IMM-micromixer for effective emulsification

The targeted encapsulation of active ingredients is a key building block for numerous applications – from pharmaceuticals to food technology and material development. The protective capsule wall effectively shields sensitive ingredients from external influences such as light, oxygen or moisture. At the same time, the capsule structure enables controlled release, increases stability and extends the shelf life of the ingredients. Additionally, it allows the simultaneous introduction of incompatible substances into a single formulation – a crucial advantage for modern product developments.

At Fraunhofer IMM, we focus on the development and optimization of polymer-based particles and capsules. These play a key role in the creation of innovative materials with customized properties. Both micro- (larger than 1 µm) and nanoscale (smaller than 1 µm) particles open up a wide range of technological possibilities.

Depending on the application requirements, we realize homogeneous particle structures as well as complex morphologies – including capsules with a “core-shell” structure or variants with several active cores. Our precise manufacturing processes enable the targeted adaptation of functionality, size and structure – delivering high-performance solutions for demanding markets.

Customized particles for maximum product performance

"Our technology is the bodyguard that gets your ingredient safely to its destination."

 

The targeted encapsulation of active ingredients is a key building block for numerous applications – from pharmaceuticals to food technology and material development. The protective capsule wall effectively shields sensitive ingredients from external influences such as light, oxygen or moisture. At the same time, the capsule structure enables controlled release, increases stability and extends the shelf life of the ingredients. Additionally, it allows the simultaneous introduction of incompatible substances into a single formulation – a crucial advantage for modern product developments.

At Fraunhofer IMM, we focus on the development and optimization of polymer-based particles and capsules. These play a key role in the creation of innovative materials with customized properties. Both micro- (larger than 1 µm) and nanoscale (smaller than 1 µm) particles open up a wide range of technological possibilities.

Depending on the application requirements, we realize homogeneous particle structures as well as complex morphologies – including capsules with a “core-shell” structure or variants with several active cores. Our precise manufacturing processes enable the targeted adaptation of functionality, size and structure – delivering high-performance solutions for demanding markets.

What we offer our customers

We have extensive expertise and experience in the development of formulations and processes for the pharmaceutical, agricultural, coating, cosmetics and many other business areas. We use a variety of formulation processes to manufacture particles and capsules, which can be selected or combined depending on the product requirements:

  • Emulsification/ solvent evaporation
  • Solvent diffusion / Salting-out / Nanoprecipitation
  • Ionic / Thermal gelation
  • Coacervation
  • Spontaneous emulsification / Melt emulsification
  • Emulsion / Suspension / Dispersion polymerization
  • Reactions at the droplet interface

We develop microplastic-free particles and capsules based on natural, biodegradable materials. This is how we ensure environmental compatibility without affecting the functionality of the product.

Our formulations contain:

  • Polysaccharides (starch, dextran, cellulose, lignin, chitosan, alginate, carrageenan, etc.)
  • Plant and animal proteins (gelatine, casein, wheat and corn proteins), lipids
  • Gum Arabic / natural waxes / shellac

We also work with synthetic monomers and polymers, such as polyacrylates, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactides and their copolymers, as materials for particle and capsule shells.

Whether you want to improve the performance of existing agents or are thinking about completely new applications and manufacturing processes, we will find the best solution for you.

Production of encapsulated active ingredients for greater durability and quality

By encapsulating ingredients in cosmetic products, for example, these and many other emulsion-based products and systems gain in effectiveness, stability and shelf life. In addition, encapsulation allows the release of active ingredients to be controlled in a targeted manner, thereby increasing their efficiency and availability.

We at Fraunhofer IMM are working together with the Fraunhofer IVV to improve the properties of products by encapsulating functional substances in order to realize product- and customer-specific requirements. By using encapsulation technologies, volatile or sensitive substances can be specifically stabilized in the product matrix and your product can thus be enriched with additional active ingredients, for example. Here, we at Fraunhofer IMM focus on process engineering aspects for the production and upscaling of both encapsulated substances and the resulting products, while the researchers at Fraunhofer IVV specialize in the multisensory investigation and optimization of products. The scientific and application-oriented competencies of the Fraunhofer IVV in the field of analytical sensor technology include qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the sensory properties of products. Our aim is to work with companies to ensure high-quality products and resource-saving processes.

We use innovative encapsulation technologies to increase the value and quality of your products.

 

Contact us to find out more about our services.

Cooperation project

Our services in the field of encapsulation technologies are offered in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV: Product development, modeling, formulation, sensor technology and analytics.

 

to the Fraunhofer IVV