Encapsulates

Encapsulates is the third-person singular form of the verb encapsulate. In general use, encapsulation refers to the act of enclosing something within a capsule or shell, or to expressing a larger idea or set of data in a concise, contained form.

In pharmaceuticals and food sciences, encapsulation is a delivery and protection strategy. Drugs or flavors are enclosed in capsules or microcapsules to improve stability, mask taste, or control release rates. Materials commonly used include gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, with methods such as coacervation, spray drying, and extrusion to form protective shells around active ingredients.

In chemistry and materials science, encapsulation creates core–shell microcapsules that encase reactive agents, enzymes, pigments, or fragrances. Such structures help stabilize sensitive components, control diffusion, or enable targeted release. Applications span self-healing materials, agrochemicals, cosmetics, and catalysis.

In computer science, encapsulation is a core principle of object-oriented design. It involves bundling data with the methods that operate on that data and restricting direct access to an object's internal state. This promotes modularity, maintainability, and the enforcement of invariants, typically through access modifiers and interfaces.

Etymology and usage vary by field, but the underlying concept remains consistent: to encapsulate is to surround or summarize a subject within defined boundaries. The term is also used more loosely to describe concise representations or abstractions of complex information.