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A method to synthesize silicone particles capable of encapsulating, delivering, and releasing a desired substance. Tunability allows for customizable and specific application.
About
Researchers at the University of New Mexico and Duke University have developed a method to synthesize silicone particles capable of encapsulating, delivering, and releasing a desired substance. The particles are characterized by narrow size distributions and tunable degrees of crosslinking, enabling encapsulation and controlled release of an active ingredient. This encapsulation method delivers the active ingredient to a substrate without adversely affecting the chemical or physical properties of the active ingredient. The tunable nature of the invention allows the density, compressibility, size, size distribution and crosslink density to be precisely controlled, providing the proper protection and release performance for a given application.
Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Retinol from Silicone Particles for Topical Delivery
Key Benefits
- Tunability allows for customizable and specific application
- Readily scalable encapsulating material allows for convenient and cost-effective production
- Maintains active ingredient’s physical properties
- The main API encapsulated was retinol, and these silicone microparticles lead to better stabilization and release of retinol compared to the industry-standard Microsponge technology
- The release speed can be tuned from the particles based on the crosslink density of the particles, and that this leads to potent cellular activation (shown in vitro) with minimal skin irritation (shown on in a blinded study onhumans) when formulated into a cream
- The particles can also encapsulate betamethasone (a steroid for skin), ingenol mebutate (an FDA-approved drug at the time-- it's since been discontinued-- foractinic keratosis), homosalate (a key ingredient in sunscreen), and DEET (an insect repellant)
Applications
- Cosmetics
- Dermatology
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary Clinic
- Oral Health Care