Sustainable Microcapsules and Microencapsulation Methods

Microencapsulation is an established method that allows the protection, stabilization, and controlled release of active compounds in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, agriculture, adhesives, construction, and textiles. While microcapsules are traditionally polymeric, their shells can also be engineered from inorganic, lipid-based, or hybrid materials to meet specific release and performance needs. To make microencapsulation more sustainable, the development and wider adoption of bio-based and/or biodegradable materials for microcapsules must gain momentum. Additionally, efforts are underway to optimize microencapsulation processes to reduce energy use, solvents, waste, and environmental impact throughout the production and end-of-life stages. Together, these strategies support the development of greener, high-performance microcapsules aligned with regulatory and consumer expectations.This Research Topic aims to explore recent advances in the design and production of microcapsules that improve the sustainability of both manufacturing processes and final products, regardless of the application area. With a focus on microcapsule, we welcome contributions that present innovations in shell material development, including new polymers, copolymers, and materials generated through sol gel methodologies. We also encourage submissions that report improvements in encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, or the optimization of existing microencapsulation processes. In addition, studies that demonstrate the performance of environmentally friendly microcapsules in fields such as agriculture, cosmetics, phase change materials, and other relevant applications are highly valued.By combining fundamental research with applied case studies, this topic seeks to provide comprehensive insights into how advances in sustainable microencapsulation are supporting the transition toward a circular economy. We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:• Design and production of bio-based and/or biodegradable microcapsules• Design and engineering of polymers for microcapsule shells• Development of inorganic or hybrid microcapsules• Mechanistic studies and optimization of existing microencapsulation processes• Application of microcapsules and validation of their efficiency and sustainability• Strategies for scale-up and economic feasibility of microcapsule production• Biodegradability studies and life-cycle assessment Topic editors: Ana C. Marques, Berta Estevinho, António Aguiar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76803/sustainable-microcapsules-and-microencapsulation-methods