Simple and multiple emulsions preparation method for controlled release of active agents

Aim of project
The aim of this project was to find the regimes of stable multiple emulsions entrapping active agent appearance in liquid-liquid helical flow as well as a method of their stabilization. The influence of different emulsion systems and flow field parameters in the helical contactor on multiple emulsions appearance, drop size distribution of the internal and membrane phases as well as emulsion stability were investigated. Multiple emulsions have also been employed as an intermediate step in the microencapsulation process. The release kinetics of active agent incorporated in the form of microcapsules obtained by multiple emulsions stabilization was investigated.

Expected results
This work refers to multiple emulsion formation and stability. One-step preparation method of multiple emulsions entrapping reactive agent in the helical (Couette-Taylor) flow was proposed in opposition to the common two-step techniques. The Couette-Taylor flow contactor in the two-phase system is characterized by high interfacial area and high volumetric mass transfer coefficient therefore its use for emulsification is reasonable. A method of multiple emulsions stabilization was proposed to obtain the form of microcapsules with active agent. The release profiles of reactive agent and factors that effect e.g. release medium, intensity of stirring were examined. As a direct result, the mass transfer model in multiple emulsion systems was developed.