encaps

Encaps, often encountered as shorthand for encapsulation, is a term used across several disciplines to denote the act of enclosing a substance, object, or function within a boundary, shell, capsule, or protective layer. The concept emphasizes separation, protection, and controlled interaction with the surrounding environment.

In chemistry and pharmaceutical technology, encapsulation refers to enclosing active ingredients within micro- or nano-sized capsules made of polymers, lipids, or inorganic materials. This protects sensitive compounds from degradation, masks tastes, or enables controlled release over time. Common techniques include coacervation, spray-drying, extrusion, and interfacial polymerization.

In materials science and engineering, encapsulated materials appear in microcapsules or core–shell particles. They are used in self-healing materials, coatings, fragrances, and agrochemicals, allowing a reactive core to be released on demand or under specific stimuli such as heat, pH, or mechanical stress.

In biology and medicine, cell encapsulation and enzyme encapsulation isolates biological agents from the external environment while preserving function. Encapsulated systems can improve biocompatibility, modulate immune responses, and enable targeted delivery of therapies.

In computing, encapsulation is a fundamental principle of object-oriented programming. It bundles data with methods and restricts direct access to some components, promoting modularity, data integrity, and abstraction through access controls such as private and public interfaces.

Originating from Latin capsula meaning small box, encaps is widely used as a root in technical terms. The standalone term is less common outside specific jargon, where it appears primarily as a shorthand or as part of compound terms or brand names.