| abstract |
Techniques for producing semipermeable microcapsules by interfacial polymerization are disclosed. The material to be encapsulated and a hydrophilic monomer are emulsified within a hydrophobic continuous phase. Polymerization is initiated by dissolving a second monomer in the continuous phase, and occurs only at the interface of the emulsion to result in the formation of macroporous, poorly defined capsule membranes. Next, the affinity of the continuous phase for the hydrophilic monomer is varied by altering the polarity of the continuous phase. This step is accomplished either by isolating and resuspending the raw capsules in a fresh continuous phase of different polar character, or by mixing a second solvent with the continuous phase. By controlling the affinity and the concentration of the second monomer, it is possible to produce microcapsules having uniform capsule membranes and a selected upper limit of permeability. |