[kiddhill20]

Hi,

I'm currently looking into encapsulating processes for micro-nano particles. Silica seems to be a very popular encapsulating material. This encapsulation is due to deposition of monosilicic acid directly onto the encapsulated surface but it usually works for surfaces that are either hydrophilic or cationic in nature. For neutral and hydrophobic surfaces, it preferentially precipitates and forms a sol and eventually a gel.

Is this why encapsulation of silica doesn't work on organic molecules i.e. because they are usually hydrophobic or neutral in nature? Any leads will be helpful.

Thanks.