Scientists have created microcapsules in the form of dumplings from biodegradable polymers

As the authors note, the unusual non-spherical formula of the capsules is more effective than spherical ones in a number of characteristics,

However, to ensure optimal performance, high precision is required in their design and manufacture.

Our method is based on the same principle asthe process of making pelmeni or vareniki. Only instead of meat, cottage cheese, berries or potatoes, we use a different filling - for example, proteins or other biologically active substances. And we do this at the microstructure level.

Gleb Sukhorukov, one of the authors of the study, professor at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology

For the manufacture of nanoparticles, scientists have prepareda special stencil with a large number of wells, which are first filled with a layer of shell polymers, and then covered with a medicine. The chemists then apply another layer of polymer on top of these wells. As a result, the active substance is sealed between two layers, like minced meat in dumplings.

Using this method, scientists obtained capsulestorpedo-shaped with a length of seven micrometers, which had a large capacity and the ability to retain hydrophilic molecules, and were also well absorbed by cells without causing a toxic effect.

Also, these capsules held small water-soluble molecules inside the capsule quite stably for several days.

In the course of further research, scientists will experiment with polymers - this time they used polylactic acid. The method should be tested on other materials as well.

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