Statements
Joseph B. Schlenoff
The Florida State University
To Whom it May Concern
Dr. Andreas Voigt has asked me to provide a few comments on the prospects for commercializing polyelectrolyte multilayer technology, especially pertaining to the use of multilayer capsules for designed transport and delivery. Although we have no research efforts in this direction at Florida State University, I am very excited by both the technology and the quality/creativity of the Capsulution NanoScience AG enterprise. I believe that the microencapsulution approach pioneered by this company an MPIKG allows one to exploit the versatility and flexibility or layer-by-layer assembly to the maximum. Control over composition, size, shape, release rate, wetting and erosion rate are all possible.
Polyeclectrolyte multilayers are, to my knowledge, already in use for two hight-volume applications. The first is the coating of contact lenses, to enhance lubrication and comfort (this is a “medical devices” application). The second is in food packaging, to maintain freshness. Both of these are in the area of human contact/consumption, which bodes well for the acceptance of multilayers in the drug encapsulation market.
Patent and other intellectual property activity in the field of polyeclectrolyte multilayers is very high. If you were to ask me from where to expect the first commercialization of multilayers capsules, I would instantly cite the Capsulution folks because of their leadership position, including an advanced suite of intellectual property. This is the most knowledgeable and innovative group of scientists working on encapsulation by multilayers and I view their continuing efforts at commercialization in a very positive light.
Sincerely,
Joseph B. Schlenoff
Professor
Associete Director, Center for Materials Research and Technology (MARTECH)
