Taylor & Francis Polymer Capsules

Polymers are one of the most versatile and important materials used for capsule preparation despite various others available. Suitably formulated capsules can securely protect ingredients, deliver them to targeted sites, and release them expeditiously, improving functions and minimizing adverse effects. New polymers are constantly being explored to develop more efficient capsules as they are routinely used in pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products, nutrients, and food. This book focuses on the current state of the art of polymer-based capsules and delivery systems. It describes the formulation processes of capsules developed from redox-responsive polymers and polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes, in addition to shedding light on coacervation of polymers for encapsulation. It reviews different active ingredients that can be used with polymer capsules in various products, encapsulation of essential oils using such capsules, and development of polymer capsules of cells and bacteriophages. Review "This time-honored monograph offers a still powerful, if traditional, literary vehicle for dishing up new knowledge in scientific and engineering fields, providing a state-of-the-art overview to guide eyewitness aficionados of R&D. These Singapore-based editors achieve just that as they introduce the theory and practice of polymer capsules. Indispensable especially in pharmaceutical and food industries to ensure delivery and guarantee efficacy, encapsulation is the essence of environmental sustainability and biodiversity, protecting essential molecules from harmful, unwanted, and untimely effects by providing product and process control. To the point, Chapters 1 and 2 describe redox and functionalized polymer carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Chapter 3 explores formulation, while Chapters 4 through 7 are about complexation, to control phase compatibility and protect drugs in local environments. Chapters 8 and 9 explore the roles polymer capsules play with respect to functional ingredients for food processing and essential oils. Chapter 10 explains biomedical applications of encapsulated living cells and Chapter 11 discusses bacteriophagic polymer capsules. Kudos to all contributing authors for an interesting and important work, which includes references current through 2016 and a useful index. The global reach of the accomplishments reported here will be evident to professional readers. The book is highly recommended for undergraduates and students in two-year technical programs." - Prof. Emer. L. W. Fine, CHOICE About the Author Ye Liu is a senior scientist at the Soft Materials Department (SOF) of the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, and has been associated with it since 1999. Prior to this, he was associated with the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, first as a lecturer and then as a professor. He has also been a research assistant (engineer) at the Institute of Polymer Materials, Anhui University, China, and assistant lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Anhui Normal University, China. Dr. Liu has received the 1991 President’s Award of the Chinese Academy of Science. He has published more than 100 papers and filed 19 patents. His research areas include the synthesis and applications of well-defined polymers, polymer-functionalized nanosized silica and carbon materials, self-assembly of functional polymers, and applications of functional polymers in consumer care and health care. Xian Jun Loh is a polymer chemist by training and currently heads SOF of the IMRE at A*STAR. He completed his basic and postgraduate studies at the National University of Singapore. As a pioneer of biodegradable thermogels, he is highly proficient in developing these materials for applications spanning biomedicine, engineering, cosmetics, personal care, and food. His sci