A bi-weekly event to present and discuss issues related to developments, applications and commercialization of nanotechnology.
Nanoencapsulation:
Applications and Challenges
Speaker: James Oxley, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Southwest Research Institute
(VIDEO CONFERENCED FROM THE AUSTIN OFFICE OF WINSTEAD PC)
Abstract: Microencapsulation has been used for
decades to provide protection for active ingredients and facilitate unique
release mechanisms for products, ranging from carbonless copy paper to
controlled release pharmaceuticals. The lower size limit for most
microencapsulation techniques and products is approximately 1 μm. The
advancement of nanotechnology has aided in the development of encapsulation
processes capable of producing capsules less than 1 μm. Common
nanoencapsulation technologies include molecular encapsulation, liposomes,
micelles, solvent evaporation, and layer-by-layer depositions.
The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI®) practices many of these encapsulation
processes, in addition to developing new technologies. Current
nanoencapsulation projects include the development of bone targeting
drug-delivery capsules and investigation of new nanoencapsulation
processes, such as electrohydrodynamic coextrusion. Due to cost, most
research and commercial applications of nanoencapsulation are in the
pharmaceutical industry. However, research efforts are underway to expand
the commercial use of nanocapsules. This talk will provide an overview of
nanoencapsulation, current research efforts at SwRI, and challenges facing
the commercialization of nanocapsules and nanoencapsulation techniques.
Bio: James Oxley, Ph.D. Dr.
Oxley received a B.S. in Chemistry from Texas Christian University in 1998
and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign in 2003. He is currently a senior research scientist in
the Microencapsulation and Controlled Release section at the Southwest
Research Institute where he directs staff engaging in contract research
pertaining to encapsulation and controlled release. His responsibilities
include delineating a research approach in microencapsulation, process
development, formulation development, analytical studies, and the
development of novel micro- and nanoencapsulation techniques.
Dr. Oxley has conducted encapsulation research using a variety of
techniques including spray drying, centrifugal coextrusion, submerged
nozzle, electrohydrodynamic coextrusion, rotating disc, Wurster/fluidized
bed coating, coacervation, interfacial polymerization, in-situ
polymerization, and solvent evaporation. He has encapsulated many products
including flavors, adhesives, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.
Dr. Oxley has several publications in refereed journals and conference
symposia, and has given invited talks both domestically and
internationally. He is a faculty member with the Center for Professional
Advancement and currently a member of the American Chemical Society,
Controlled Release Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science,
and International Society of Microencapsulation.
