Nanocapsules

Our LBL technology® is a high-tech tool for the production of multifunctional nanocapsules Thanks to their miniscule size, great capacity to take on a variety of functions, and extremely high reproducibility, they can be used effectively in a wide range of life-science applications.

Depending on the application, nanocapsules can be produced in any size and endowed with almost any pharmaceutical, biochemical, electrical, optical or magnetic property.

Overview of the encapsulation process

The capsules are constructed layer by layer in several steps.

  1. First the substance to be encapsulated is suspended in an aqueous solution. The addition of a positively or negatively charged polymer constitutes the first actual step in capsule production.
  2. Polyelectrolyte molecules are applied layer by layer (self-assembling), creating an ultra-thin polymer film. Each new layer has the opposite charge of the previous layer. The polymer coating is propelled by electrostatic gravities, which create shells of well-ordered polyelectrolyte complex layers.
  3. The resulting capsule walls are generally comprised of 4 to 20 of these layers and have a thickness of 8 - 50nm.
  4. The completed capsules are endowed with precisely defined properties. Often their surfaces take on additional functions, for instance providing connections for antibodies to dock.
  5. Optional: Where demanded by product development, the core of the capsule can be removed.
  6. Optional: The empty capsule shells can then be filled with various substances upon demand.

Worldwide patent protection

As LBL technology® is protected worldwide by more than 18 different patent families, it is an ideal tool for the development of high-value life-science products. Capsulution owns the exclusive rights for the further development and global marketing of LBL technology®.