Encapsul

Encapsul is a term used in several technical fields to denote a capsule-like shell or enclosure that surrounds one substance to form a distinct unit. The word is not consistently standardized in English; in many contexts, related terms such as encapsulation, encapsulated, or encapsulant are more common. The concept generally implies protection, isolation, or controlled interaction between the encapsulated material and its environment.

In pharmacology and drug delivery, encapsulation involves enclosing an active pharmaceutical ingredient within a protective coating or capsule made from polymers, lipids, or natural materials. This can enable controlled release, improved chemical stability, taste masking, and targeted delivery to specific tissues or sites in the body. Common methods include spray-drying, coacervation, and emulsion-based techniques.

In materials science and consumer products, encapsulation describes micro- or nano-scale capsules that protect flavors, fragrances, pigments, or phase-change materials. Encapsulants can enhance shelf life, reduce volatility, shield from light or oxygen, and enable timed or triggered release. Encapsulated pesticides in agriculture, for example, aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficacy.

In computing and programming, encapsulation is a fundamental design principle that hides internal state and behavior behind an interface. While the general idea aligns with encapsulation, the standalone noun “encapsul” is rarely used in software terminology and is more often encountered as a linguistic stem in related words.

See also encapsulation, encapsulant, microcapsule.