MICROCAPSULE Meaning and
Definition
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A microcapsule refers to a tiny, spherical or elongated structure with a diameter ranging from a few micrometers to a few millimeters. It is composed of a core material, which can be a liquid, solid, or gas, surrounded by a thin, protective shell known as the capsule wall or membrane. The shell is usually made of a polymer or a mixture of polymers that encapsulate and contain the core substance.
Microcapsules are commonly used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture, as they offer unique functionalities. The core material within the microcapsule can be designed to release slowly over time or in response to specific conditions, such as temperature, pH, or pressure. This controlled release mechanism makes microcapsules particularly valuable in drug delivery systems, where the encapsulated medicine is released gradually for sustained therapeutic effects.
In addition to controlled release, microcapsules can also serve as protective barriers, shielding the core material from external factors like heat, light, or moisture, which could potentially damage or degrade it. This protective feature is advantageous in applications such as microencapsulation of fragrances or enzymes, preserving their potency until they are utilized.
Microcapsules can be created using various techniques, such as emulsion polymerization, coacervation, reprecipitation, or spray-drying. The properties and characteristics of microcapsules, including size, shell thickness, and core material composition, can be tailored to specific requirements, making them versatile tools in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications.
Common Misspellings for MICROCAPSULE
- nicrocapsule
- kicrocapsule
- jicrocapsule
- mucrocapsule
- mjcrocapsule
- mkcrocapsule
- mocrocapsule
- m9crocapsule
- m8crocapsule
- mixrocapsule
- mivrocapsule
- mifrocapsule
- midrocapsule
- miceocapsule
- micdocapsule
- micfocapsule
- mictocapsule
- mic5ocapsule
- mic4ocapsule
- micricapsule
Etymology of MICROCAPSULE
The word "microcapsule" is derived from the combination of the prefix "micro-" and the noun "capsule".
The prefix "micro-" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning "small" or "little". It is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts to indicate something that is tiny or on a microscopic scale.
The word "capsule" originates from the Latin noun "capsula", which means a small container or envelope. It can be traced back to the Latin verb "capere", meaning "to take" or "to hold". In English, "capsule" refers to a small round or cylindrical container, often with medication inside.
Therefore, the term "microcapsule" essentially means a tiny or miniaturized capsule, typically containing a substance or material. This term is frequently used in various scientific fields, such as chemistry, pharmacy, and medicine, to describe minute encapsulated structures.
