encapsulating

Encapsulating is the process of enclosing a substance within another material to form a capsule or boundary that protects or contains it. The term is used across disciplines and can refer to physical containment, chemical binding, or mechanical enclosure.

In chemistry and materials science, encapsulation produces microcapsules or nanocapsules in which the core material is surrounded by a coating. Common methods include interfacial polymerization, coacervation, spray drying, and liposome formation. Applications include controlled release, taste masking, and stabilization of reactive or volatile substances.

In pharmacology and biotechnology, encapsulation enables drug delivery systems that release active compounds over time or at targeted sites. Encapsulation media include polymers, lipids, and hydrogels. Benefits include improved stability, bioavailability, and reduced toxicity; challenges include achieving desired release kinetics, encapsulation efficiency, and scalable manufacturing.

In computer science, encapsulation refers to bundling data with related operations and restricting direct access to some components. It is a core principle of object-oriented programming, supporting modularity, abstraction, and data integrity through access modifiers and interfaces.

Other uses include encapsulation in food flavor and fragrance systems, agricultural coatings, and cosmetics, where encapsulated ingredients are protected from environmental conditions and delivered gradually.