(410b) Nanoscale Interfacial Complexation in Emulsions (NICE): From Encapsulation and Release of Molecules and Cells to Recapitulating the Basic Functions of Living Cells

Polyelectrolyte microcapsules represent a class of responsive colloids with a wide range of functionality and properties, making them useful for applications in encapsulation and delivery of actives. Despite their functionality, widespread utilization of polyelectrolyte microcapsules is limited because their preparation methods often require multiple steps or do not yield microcapsules with high encapsulation efficiency. In this presentation, I will introduce our recent efforts to fabricate multifunctional polyelectrolyte microcapsules using nanoscale interfacial complexation in emulsions (NICE). In NICE, the complexation of two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes takes place at the interface between two immiscible liquid phases. We use emulsion droplets as templates to induce one-step generation of microcapsules made of polyelectrolytes and nanoparticles. I will show that either oil/water interface or water/water interface can be used for the production of polyelectrolyte microcapsules. Interestingly, there is a subtle difference between complexation of two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes at the oil/water and water/water interfaces, which must be taken into consideration for robust formation of polyelectrolyte microcapsules. Encapsulation of living cells, controlled release of molecules as well as mimicking the basic cellular functions in NICE microcapsules will be discussed. I will also discuss the potential of enabling scalable manufacturing of polyelectrolyte microcapsules via NICE.