Electrically controlled rapid release of actives encapsulated in double-emulsion droplets

Abstract

Controlled release of multiple actives after encapsulation in a microenvironment is significant for various biological and chemical applications such as controlled drug delivery and transplantation of encapsulated cells. However, traditional systems often lack efficient encapsulation and release of multiple actives, especially when incorporated substances must be released at a targeted location. Here, we present a straightforward approach to release multiple actives at a prescribed position in microfluidic systems; one or two actives are encapsulated in water-in-oil-in-water emulsion droplets, followed by controlled release of the actives via an alternating current electric field. An electric field-induced compression due to Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization overcomes the disjoining pressure at the thin shell and leads to the thinning and rupture of the oil layer of the droplets, resulting in the release of the encapsulated actives to the suspending medium. This technique is feasible for encapsulation and release of various reagents in terms of ion species and ion concentrations. Moreover, polymer nanoparticles and yeast cells can also be included in the droplets and then be released at targeted locations. This versatile method should be well-suited for targeted delivery of various active ingredients such as functional chemical reagents and biological cells.