Polymers are one of the most versatile and important materials used for capsule preparation despite various others available. Suitably formulated capsules can securely protect ingredients, deliver them to targeted sites, and release them expeditiously, improving functions and minimizing adverse effects. New polymers are constantly being explored to develop more efficient capsules as they are routinely used in pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products, nutrients, and food.
This book focuses on the current state of the art of polymer-based capsules and delivery systems. It describes the formulation processes of capsules developed from redox-responsive polymers and polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes, in addition to shedding light on coacervation of polymers for encapsulation. It reviews different active ingredients that can be used with polymer capsules in various products, encapsulation of essential oils using such capsules, and development of polymer capsules of cells and bacteriophages.
About the Author: Ye Liu is a senior scientist at the Soft Materials Department (SOF) of the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, and has been associated with it since 1999. Prior to this, he was associated with the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, first as a lecturer and then as a professor. He has also been a research assistant (engineer) at the Institute of Polymer Materials, Anhui University, China, and assistant lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Anhui Normal University, China. Dr. Liu has received the 1991 President's Award of the Chinese Academy of Science. He has published more than 100 papers and filed 19 patents. His research areas include the synthesis and applications of well-defined polymers, polymer-functionalized nanosized silica and carbon materials, self-assembly of functional polymers, and applications of functional polymers in consumer care and health care.
Xian Jun Loh is a polymer chemist by training and currently heads SOF of the IMRE at A*STAR. He completed his basic and postgraduate studies at the National University of Singapore. As a pioneer of biodegradable thermogels, he is highly proficient in developing these materials for applications spanning biomedicine, engineering, cosmetics, personal care, and food. His scientific contributions have earned him a fellowship in Fitzwilliam College of the University of Cambridge and the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. He is also the vice president and a member of the executive committee of the Singapore National Institute of Chemistry. With his extensive experience in authoring more than 200 journal papers, 7 books, 30 book chapters, 38 patents, and know-hows, Dr. Loh sits on the editorial boards of several international journals as an expert of his field. He has also successfully helped in the commercialization of eight different products and is always interested in the translation of science to products.
