Polymeric Nanocapsules: From Encapsulation to Selective Release

Katharina Landfester
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research

3:30pm - November 19, 2020 Online

Abstract:

Control over the nanoscopic scale opens nearly endless opportunities for many scientific areas. In particular polymeric nanoparticles offer the versatility to cover a wide range of mesoscopic properties for sophisticated applications. However, making smart nanoparticles is inevitably linked to a deep understanding of the overall physico-chemical principle of their formation. By means of the miniemulsion process, we design custom-made nanoparticles and nanocapsules for nearly any purpose ranging from self healing (of steel) to biomedical applications. This is facilitated by the enormous versatility of the miniemulsion process that has been developed and conceptually understood by our group. Moreover, the accumulation of understanding the formation process has led to successful and precise control of important nanoparticle parameters such as size, shape, morphology, surface functionalization and modification, degradation, release kinetics. This degree of control is unique and allows us to tune specific properties tailored to particular applications; the successful up-scaling of process is of technical relevance. Furthermore, the encapsulation and release of a great variety of payloads, ranging from hydrophobic to hydrophilic substances has been successfully achieved in a highly controlled manner and with an unmatched high encapsulation efficiency. Additionally, it will be shown how the interaction of the nanoparticles and nanocapsules with synthetic and biological matter is influenced by the characteristics of the nanoparticles and nanocapsules. undefined