Nano- and Micro-Encapsulation of Food Additives and Agrochemicals (SBIR Phase I)

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: General methods to produce uniform capsules with well-defined and controllable shell thickness and diameter, especially at the nano- and micro-scale, are in great demand for controlled and timed release of drugs, agrochemicals, nutraceuticals, and probiotics. The proposed technique should in principle allow encapsulation of all such types of valuable agents, e.g., agrochemicals that are needed in very small amounts for plant and crops development. Once we make it beyond the proof-of-concept stage, we will first target the agricultural and food industries because we already do proprietary research and development for companies in those two sectors.