Abstract:
Disclosed are improved water in oil in water double emulsions that are suitable for use in combination with an active agent, such as a pesticide active ingredient, for extended release products. The double emulsions are prepared using suitable osmolytes such that the majority of the resulting emulsion droplets include a single aqueous core inside of the oil phase, which results in a more consistent and predictable release profile for the active ingredient. In many embodiments, the double emulsions may be prepared using colloidal particles as stabilizers, thus negating the need for the use of conventional emulsifiers, which reduces the potential toxicity of the double emulsion and results in a more environmentally friendly and acceptable commercial product. Additionally, in many embodiments the double emulsions are prepared such that they are encapsulated with a shell-impermeable polymer to improve encapsulation efficiency such that a greater percentage of the active agent remains in a desired location and does not "leak" into less desired portions of the emulsion. The encapsulation processes described herein result in the formation of a polymeric protective layer at both water/oil interfaces such that the two separate, distinct encapsulation layers are formed.
Abstract:
Disclosed are improved water in oil in water double emulsions that are suitable for use in combination with an active agent, such as a pesticide active ingredient, for extended release products. The double emulsions are prepared using suitable osmolytes such that the majority of the resulting emulsion droplets include a single aqueous core inside of the oil phase, which results in a more consistent and predictable release profile for the active ingredient. In many embodiments, the double emulsions may be prepared using colloidal particles as stabilizers, thus negating the need for the use of conventional emulsifiers, which reduces the potential toxicity of the double emulsion and results in a more environmentally friendly and acceptable commercial product. Additionally, in many embodiments the double emulsions are prepared such that they are encapsulated with a shell-impermeable polymer to improve encapsulation efficiency such that a greater percentage of the active agent remains in a desired location and does not "leak" into less desired portions of the emulsion. The encapsulation processes described herein result in the formation of a polymeric protective layer at both water/oil interfaces such that the two separate, distinct encapsulation layers are formed.