Effects of structure on hydrogel microbead function

Hydrogel microbeads are capable of trapping, protecting and delivering components. We investigated how different production parameters influenced the microstructure of protein and polysaccharide hydrogel microbeads, and how that in turn influenced the functional properties of the microbeads as encapsulation devices in various systems. We found that by changing the production method and the hydrocolloid type and density we could create a variety of structures with different strengths, breakdown patterns and diffusivity profiles. Most importantly, the functionality of the hydrogel microbeads is not dependent on the individual production parameters, but on a system in which the hydrogel matrix, the diffusing compound moving into or out of the microbead, and the environment in which the microbead is present, all play varying but important roles in the complete system. The hydrogel microbead by itself is a viable encapsulation device but may also be the basis for a more complex encapsulation system in which several components may be encapsulated together and which may be triggered to release by outside influences.