Lipid-Hybrid Multicompartment Membrane Systems for Controlled, Compartmentalized Encapsulant Release

Multicellular structures are a common feature in biological organisms, conferring structural advantages including protection of internal content and spatiotemporal organization through defined spatial arrangements. Here a morphologically analogous lipid-hybrid multi-compartmental (LHMC) material produced within seconds on a milliliter scale by use of lipid and hydrophobic surfactant-rich oils referred to as “lipid-inks” is shown. This method encapsulates aqueous solutions at up to 94% of the total volume, into densely packed micro-compartments (20–200 µm) delineated by a continuous thin hydrophobic membrane. These LHMCs can be encased in hydrogel matrices for structural support and ease of handling. Controlled compartmentalized release of encapsulated content is demonstrated by triggered membrane solubilization from the introduction of hydrophilic surfactants to the external solution at or above their critical micellization concentration (CMC). Environmental ionic strength-dependent release rates are also demonstrated in the case of anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Notably, internal micro-compartments maintain content separation, enabling stable spatial patterning leading to controlled temporal release when directionally exposed to solubilizing agents. This micro-compartmentalized system, with its capacity for spatially and temporally regulated release and environmentally tunable rates, holds potential for advances in programmed delivery and responsive release of multiple bioactive agents in medical applications.