Microencapsulation

What will I learn?

This course covers the basic science and engineering of microencapsulation across a wide range of applications including the important stages of emulsification control, stability and release property control. While the majority of the course involves emulsions, multiple emulsions and particle coating, we also include a comprehensive description of the range of valuable characterisation tools and their applicability. The emphasis is on understanding the flow behaviour of the interaction of the various components in such complex systems. This should provide the basis for a rational approach to formulating and producing micro encapsulates to meet a range of needs.

The course offers a programme of academic and industry cooperation taking delegates from the basic science through to manufactured products. Recent updates to the course mean that we are now also focusing on alternatives to historical microencapsulation systems in response to the recent microplastics regulations, which is driving the industry towards developing biodegradable alternatives. This year’s course will feature sessions to better understand the regulation environment, to specifically describe alternative microcapsule shell materials that are more environmentally friendly and some discussion around biodegradability testing.

On completion of this course you’ll have an understanding of:

• developing a rational approach to formulate or modify emulsions for optimal processing behaviour, and using available laws and scaling relations to predict behaviour

• the various methods of turning emulsions into encapsulates, including the process conditions that impact their final properties and behaviour

• selecting characterisation devices and defining measurement procedures for a specific application

• evaluating and interpreting experimental data.

This course is for you if you’re a scientist or engineer in the chemical, petroleum, polymers, coatings, inks, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or general chemical industries with responsibility for R&D projects, process engineering, manufacturing or product formulation involving incorporating microencapsulates into formulated products.

Course programme

Throughout the course the theory will be supported by some live and/or pre-recorded practical lab demonstrations as well as a trouble shooting forum.

Day One: Monday 27 June 2022

Basic science and key points around microencapsulation: what you need to know to get started

• Map to guide you through the course: microencapsulation methods vs product requirements
  Professor David York, Visiting Professor, University of Leeds

• Important properties of system to encapsulate (Hansen solubility parameter)
  Professor Steven Abbott, TCNF & University of Leeds

• Important capsule properties 
  Dr Olivier Cayre, University of Leeds

Spray Drying

• Introduction to spray drying for encapsulation
  Professor David York, Visiting Professor, University of Leeds

• Droplets and sprays in encapsulation: background in forming droplets from nozzles and common process units
  Dr Phil Threlfall-Holmes, TH Collaborative Innovation & Visiting Professor, University of Leeds, (formerly of AkzoNobel)

Coating of Particles

• Process - fluid bed coaters, pan coaters
  Professor David York, Visiting Professor, University of Leeds

• Particle functionalisation by core-shell or matrix-encapsulation in fluidised beds from an industrial perspective
  Didier Schons, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik

Day Two:

Coating of Particles  cont…..

• Industry presentation on coating of solid particles using fluid beds
  Dr Henning Falck/Tom Wytrwat, Neuhaus Neotec

• Single step and solvent-free plasma functionalization and encapsulation of particles
  Rik Verschueren, Partix

• How to decide on an affordable microencapsulation method - economics behind encapsulation
  Professor David York, Visiting Professor, University of Leeds

Emulsion-based methods

• Focus on emulsion-based methods: what the rest of the course contains
  Dr Olivier Cayre, University of Leeds

• Microplastics regulations
  Clare Liptrot, Croda

• Industry perspective : EU regulations and impact on industry with regards environmental impact and micro plastics with respect to formulated products
  Andre Barros, Procter & Gamble

• Emulsion theory, importance of miscibility/cLogP, how useful is HLB of surfactants, Pickering emulsions/colloidosomes
  Professor Brent Murray, University of Leeds

• Membrane emulsification: applications in encapsulation/coacervation and biodegradable polymers 
  David Palmer, Micropore

• Interfaces into shells: past and current encapsulation methods and release methods
  Dr Olivier Cayre, University of Leeds

Day three:

Emulsion-based methods - turning emulsions into core-shell microcapsules

• Interfacial polymerisation: traditional vs potential of living radical polymerisation methods
  Dr Olivier Cayre, University of Leeds

• Pickering emulsions for food applications with emphasis on the controlled delivery of actives
  Fotis Spyropoulos, University of Birmingham

• Biodegradability
  Lynette Holland, Xampla

• Key properties and evaluation 
  Dr Nicole Hondow, University of Leeds

• Characterisations of release and biodegradability of capsules and other properties
  Dr Olivier Cayre and Amna Khatun, University of Leeds

• Evaluating mechanical properties and release rates - techniques, challenges and watch outs
  Professor David York/Olivier Cayre, University of Leeds

Course Directors

Professor David York and Dr Olivier Cayre, University of Leeds

Confirmed Speakers
Professor Steven Abbott, TCNF & University of Leeds
Andre Barros, Procter & Gamble
Dr Henning Falck/Tom Wytrwat, Neuhaus Neotec
Lynette Holland, Xampla
Dr Nicole Hondow, University of Leeds
Amna Khatun, University of Leeds
Clare Liptrot, Croda
Ben Lobel, University of Leeds 
Professor Brent Murray, University of Leeds
David Palmer, Micropore
Faye Sanderson, Micropore
Didier Schons, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik
Fotis Spyropoulos, University of Birmingham
Professor Phil Threlfall-Holmes, TH Collaborative Innovation & Visiting Professor, University of Leeds (formerly of AzkoNobel)
Dr Rik Verscheuren, Partix

2023 fees

£1099

Fees are VAT exempt

Fees include:

• cost of tuition

• course materials

• lunches

• light refreshments

• course dinner on Monday evening

View our terms and conditions

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 9JT

Detailed directions (including the exact location for the course registration and presentation room) will be sent out with the delegate joining instructions.

How to find us

The nearest public car park is Woodhouse Lane (multi storey) at LS1 3HQ. The car park is open 24 hours. Charges apply, please click here for information and location details. Please note this car park is a fifteen minute walk to/ from our building and delegates should allow ample time to park and register for the course. 

Car parking for visitors is unavailable at the University.

There is also limited on-street parking in the vicinity of the University.

You’re responsible for your own accommodation, if required. A list of hotels close to the University will be sent with your course joining instructions.

"An inspiring and comprehensive course. I leave feeling well informed and connected." Unilever

"Excellent overview on microencapsulation - covering theory, practicalities and characterisation." Quotient Clinical Ltd

"Very useful, comprehensive course covering the basics and more advanced areas of microencapsulation." Pliva Croatia

"Excellent taster into microencapsulation allows a broad overview to store and bring out when required and furthers my understanding of current used processes" FMC

Katie McCarthy – Course Coordinator

CPD Conference and Events Unit
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 
University of Leeds,
Leeds
LS2 9JT

E: cpd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk

T: 0113 343 5746