(177r) Cucurbit[8]Uril-Based Microcapsules Self-Assembled within Microfluidic Droplets: New Strategies for Actives Encapsulation and Application in Personal Care Industry

Active ingredients in the personal care industry are typically sensitive to a variety of external factors, and the development of methods to effectively protect them is essential. The combination of droplet microfluidics and supramolecular chemistry opens a new avenue for the preparation of supramolecular hydrogel microcapsules with high monodispersity and controllable functionality. We prepare supramolecular hydrogel microcapsules using the host molecule cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and the guest polymer phenylalanine-functionalized chitosan. The properties of this supramolecular hydrogel are systematically investigated in terms of rheology, surface structure and mechanical properties. Moreover, the droplet microfluidics technique is introduced to regulate the phase interface to successfully construct supramolecular hydrogel microcapsules. In addition, by taking advantage of dynamic interactions and the tunable cross-linked supramolecular hydrogel network, it is possible to prepare microcapsules with controlled release and stimuli-responsiveness. These supramolecular hydrogel microcapsules will be able to be effectively utilized in personal care and drug delivery industries.