Technological focus: dripping, an innovative encapsulation technique

Dripping is a droplet-based encapsulation technology recognized for its effectiveness in creating monodisperse microparticles, ideal for various applications in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological sectors. This method relies on a simple yet highly efficient principle: the extrusion of a solution containing active ingredients to form uniform droplets. At Innov’ia, we leverage this technology to meet our clients’ specific needs, optimizing every step of the process.

Dripping is a precise and controlled encapsulation process. By extruding a solution through a nozzle, needle, or injector, this process creates droplets that gel as they fall into a specific bath, often ionized, or solidify in the air. This technique produces uniform (nearly monodisperse) microparticles of predefined sizes, a valuable feature for industries requiring strict standards of consistency and quality.

Dripping offers several advantages for the formulation of high-value products:

• Particle uniformity: this process ensures homogeneous droplet sizes, guaranteeing uniform distribution of active ingredients.
• Structural flexibility: it allows for the creation of various structures, such as matrices or reservoirs, suited for controlled release and ingredient protection.

Precision encapsulation: by using biopolymers like alginate, dripping can be adjusted to produce particles ranging from a few millimeters to smaller sizes through the addition of external forces (electrostatic or vibrational).

Encapsulated solutions through dripping rely on biopolymers, primarily alginate, a naturally derived polysaccharide widely used in encapsulation applications:

• Gel-forming alginate: in the presence of divalent cations like calcium, alginate forms a resistant gel through ionotropic gelation. This process is particularly suitable for creating protective membranes.
• Reverse gelation for core-shell structures: this advanced technique protects an active ingredient within a membrane, ensuring stability and controlled release, optimized for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.

Dripping is integrated across multiple sectors, offering a precise and efficient solution for encapsulating active ingredients with diverse properties:

• Food industry: in molecular cuisine, dripping enables the creation of flavor beads (flavor caviar) and encapsulated actives for innovative food products.
• Cosmetics: the technique is used to produce decorative beads with unique visual effects or to protect active ingredients in skincare products.
• Pharmaceutical and veterinary industries: dripping encapsulates active ingredients, ensuring controlled release in targeted treatments.
• Biotechnologies: used in enzyme reactors or cell immobilization, dripping ensures stable and homogeneous distribution of components in bioprocesses.
• Crop protection and biocontrol: in agriculture, dripping allows the controlled release of active agents to protect crops.
• Soil and water treatment: this technique contributes to the gradual diffusion of treatment agents, helping preserve the environment.

Capsulae, a subsidiary of Innov’ia, offers innovative dripping solutions adapted to various production levels:

• Laboratory scale: compact equipment for precise R&D trials.
• Pilot scale: facilities for testing productions up to 100L of wet beads per day, ideal for industrial developments.
• Continuous optimization: our technologies guarantee tailored, tested, and optimized solutions based on the unique needs of each client, whether for initial trials or large-scale production.

With recognized expertise in innovative encapsulation processes, Innov’ia stands out for:

• Custom solutions: we design specific processes for each application, ensuring optimal results.
• Commitment to sustainability: by using biocompatible materials and low-impact techniques, we meet the most stringent standards.
• Data confidentiality and security: Innov’ia is committed to strictly safeguarding client project confidentiality, with robust protections for intellectual property.
• Technological expertise: through continuous innovation, we provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to various sectors and compliant with quality and safety requirements.

To learn more about dripping and discover how our encapsulation solutions can meet your specific needs, contact Innov’ia’s experts today. Our teams are ready to support you at every stage of your project, from development to industrial deployment, with state-of-the-art technologies aligned with your objectives.