Kapseloida

Kapseloida is a Finnish verb meaning to enclose something within a capsule or to form a capsule-like coating around a substance. Encapsulation describes the process of creating a sealed enclosure that contains an active content and a surrounding shell or matrix. The term is used across biology, chemistry, pharmacology and materials science, often referring to the protective or functional coating of materials.

In biology, encapsulation has several meanings. Some microorganisms develop a capsule, a protective outer layer made of polysaccharides or proteins that can shield the cell and influence virulence or environmental resistance. In virology, encapsulation describes the assembly of a nucleic acid genome inside a protein shell called a capsid, which may be further surrounded by an envelope in certain viruses.

In pharmacology and food science, kapseloida commonly refers to microencapsulation: enclosing an active ingredient in a protective coating to improve stability, mask taste, enable controlled release, or improve handling. Materials used for encapsulation include polymers, lipids, alginates, and inorganic matrices. Common techniques are coacervation, interfacial polymerization, spray drying and solvent evaporation. Key parameters include encapsulation efficiency, particle size and release kinetics.

In agriculture and cosmetics, encapsulated ingredients allow targeted delivery, reduced reactivity, and extended shelf life. Challenges in kapseloida processes include cost, scalability and ensuring the release profile matches intended conditions.

Etymology: the term derives from kapseli (capsule) with the suffix -oida, reflecting the action of forming or enclosing within a capsule.