Optimization of a gelatin/carboxymethylcellulose-based probiotic microcapsule and its application in preventing dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

Oral administration of probiotics has demonstrated substantial potential in alleviating colitis. However, most of the ingested microorganisms struggle to survive the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased efficacy. In the present study, using double emulsification (W1/O/W2) and complex coacervation methods, we developed a gelatin/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based probiotic microcapsule and analyzed the efficacy of encapsulated probiotics in preventing dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Our results reveal that nearly 90% of the encapsulated probiotics remained viable after 30-day storage at 4°C and approximately 38.1% of viable bacteria (4.0 × 108 cfu/g) survived after 4-h simulated gastrointestinal digestion. In a DSS-induced colitis model, pretreatment with probiotics exerted significant protective effects, with the bacterial microcapsule-treated group having superior outcomes to those of the bacterial suspension plus empty carrier group. Probiotic treatments, especially those administered in the encapsulated form, significantly increased fecal short-chain fatty acid contents, and altered the intestinal microbial composition. The family Muribaculaceae, dominant bacteria in the mouse gut, may be the key microorganism involved in the BM regulation process. Our study presents an alternative approach to treating colitis using probiotics. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The encapsuled probiotic showed remarkable storage stability at 4°C, maintained good vitality after simulated digestion, and gained superior outcomes in preventing colitis. Our results offer an alternative approach for the probiotic preparations aiming to prevent the intestinal inflammation.

Injectable calcium phosphate cement integrated with BMSCs-encapsulated microcapsules for bone tissue regeneration.

Injectable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) offers significant benefits for the minimally invasive repair of irregular bone defects. However, the main limitations of CPC, including its deficiency in osteogenic properties and insufficient large porosity, require further investigation and resolution. In this study, alginate-chitosan-alginate (ACA) microcapsules were used to encapsulate and deliver rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) into CPC paste, while a porous CPC scaffold was established to support cell growth. Our results demonstrated that the ACA cell microcapsules effectively protect the cells and facilitate their transport into the CPC paste, thereby enhancing cell viability post-implantation. Additionally, the ACA+CPC extracts were found to stimulate osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs. Furthermore, results from a rat cranial parietal bone defect model showed that ACA microcapsules containing exogenous rBMSCs initially improved the in situ osteogenic potential of CPC within bone defects, providing multiple sites for bone growth. Over time, the osteogenic potential of the exogenous cells diminishes, yet the pores created by the microcapsules persist in supporting ongoing bone formation by recruiting endogenous cells to the osteogenic sites. In conclusion, the utilization of ACA loaded stem cell microcapsules satisfactorily facilitate osteogenesis and degradation of CPC, making it a promising scaffold for bone defect transplantation.

The application of dietary fibre as microcapsule wall material in food processing.

In the food industry, functional ingredients derived from active substances of natural sources and microbiological resources are gaining acceptance and demand due to their beneficial health properties. However, the inherent instability of these constituents poses a challenge in utilizing their functional properties. Microencapsulation with dietary fibre as wall material technology offers a promising solution, providing convenient manipulability and effective safeguarding of encapsulated substances. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on dietary fibre-based microcapsules in food processing. It examines their functional attributes, the preparation technology, and their applications within the food industry. Furthermore, the constraints associated with industrial production are discussed, as well as potential future developments. This article offers researchers a reference point and a theoretical basis for the selection of innovative food ingredients, the high-value utilisation of dietary fibre, and the design of conservation strategies for functional substances in food production.

Preparation and Thermal Properties of Magnetic PW@CaCO3@Fe3O4 Phase-Change Microcapsules and Their Application to Textile Fabrics.

Multifunctional thermal regulation materials with good thermal properties, efficient magnetic performance, and satisfactory interface bonding on fabrics are highly desirable for protective fabrics, building winter protection materials, medical thermal regulation materials, and special-environment work clothing. Herein, a new class of magnetic phase-change PW@CaCO3@Fe3O4 microcapsules was successfully produced by controlling the content of magnetic Fe3O4 through a self-assembly method. The microstructure, chemical composition, phase-change behavior, and magnetic properties of the products were sequentially characterized and analyzed. The findings revealed that the obtained microcapsules possessed regular spherical structure with uniform size and excellent thermal properties. Furthermore, PW@CaCO3 with Fe3O4 (i.e., 8% mass fraction) showed the highest thermal regulation and magnetic properties and reached an enthalpy value of 94.25 J·g-1, which is clearly superior to the value of 77.51 J·g-1 for PW@CaCO3 microcapsules. At the same time, the encapsulation efficiency of 38.7% and saturation magnetization of 2.50 emu·g-1 were the best among the four given samples. Therefore, the good paramagnetic feature had a significant synergistic effect on the thermal properties of the PW@CaCO3 microcapsules under study. More importantly, multifunctional fabrics loaded with PW@CaCO3@Fe3O4 microcapsules still showed an enthalpy value of 25.81 J·g-1 after several washes and have the potential to be used widely in the field of temperature control. The thermal regulation fabrics in this study exhibited excellent thermal properties and fastness, which contribute to their practical applications in advancing multifunctional textiles and high-technology modern fabrics.

1-Tetradecanol phase change material microcapsules coating on cotton fabric for enhanced thermoregulation.

Rising climate change and extreme weather conditions underpin thermoregulation limitations of conventional textiles. This study investigates enhancing the thermal properties of cotton fabric by incorporating synthesized 1-tetradecanol (TD) phase change material (PCM) microcapsules. Characterization of the TD microcapsules was performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The microcapsules (average size of 0.49 µm) displayed a melting enthalpy (∆Hm) of 105 J·g-1 and a crystallization enthalpy (∆Hc) of 51 J·g-1. The microcapsules were mixed with the acrylic binder in three different ratios (75:25, 50:50, and 25:75). Hydrothermal, knife-over-roll, and pad-dry-cure methods were employed for coating microcapsules to cotton fabric. Microcapsule coating on cotton fabric using hydrothermal coating with a 75:25 microcapsule binder ratio achieved the highest add-on (55 %) and good durability after 25 home washes. The thermal insulation R-value of the coated fabric was enhanced (0.0029 m2 K·W-1) at 40 °C. The real-time test showed a temperature difference of 2.8 °C and thermal imaging displayed lower emissivity for TD-coated fabric. The TD microcapsule coating offers a promising method for developing climate-responsive textiles, enhancing thermal comfort, and reducing energy consumption in heating and cooling systems.

Microencapsulation of total saponins from stem and leaf of Panax notoginseng by freeze and spray drying: Process optimization, physicochemical properties, structure, antioxidant activity, and stability.

Ginsenosides are the primary active substance in ginseng plants and have a variety of benefits. However, its light and heat stability are weak and easy to decompose. This study used gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials, and 1% Tween 80 was used as emulsifier. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the preparation process of total saponins in the stems-leaves of Panax notoginseng (SLPNs) (SSLP) microcapsules by spray drying and freeze drying techniques. Under optimal process conditions, the two microcapsules have better solubility and lower moisture content (MC). The color of spray-dried SSLP microcapsules was greener and bluer, and the color was brighter. In morphology, the spray-dried SSLP microcapsules were spherical with a slightly shrunk surface, whereas the freeze-dried ones were lamellar and porous. The two microcapsules have strong stability under different storage conditions and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation. In addition, both microcapsules and free SSLP contained multiple ginsenosides. At the same time, both microcapsules had good free radical scavenging ability. These results indicate that the microencapsulation technology could improve the stability and bioavailability of SSLP, which is expected to provide a reference for the intensive processing of the SLPN. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: After microencapsulation, the stem and leaf extract of Panax notoginseng improved its stability and taste, which laid a foundation for making more nutritious and better tasting food of the stem and leaf of P. notoginseng.

Regulation of mechanical properties of microcapsules and their applications.

Microcapsules encapsulating payloads are one of the most promising delivery methods. The mechanical properties of microcapsules often determine their application scenarios. For example, microcapsules with low mechanical strength are more widely used in biomedical applications due to their superior biocompatibility, softness, and deformability. In contrast, microcapsules with high mechanical strength are often mixed into the matrix to enhance the material. Therefore, characterizing and regulating the mechanical properties of microcapsules is essential for their design optimization. This paper first outlines four methods for the mechanical characterization of microcapsules: nanoindentation technology, parallel plate compression technology, microcapillary technology, and deformation in flow. Subsequently, the mechanisms of regulating the mechanical properties of microcapsules and the progress of applying microcapsules with different degrees of softness and hardness in food, textile, and pharmaceutical formulations are discussed. These regulation mechanisms primarily include altering size and morphology, introducing sacrificial bonds, and construction of hybrid shells. Finally, we envision the future applications and research directions for microcapsules with tunable mechanical properties.

Fabrication of thermo-responsive microcapsule pesticide delivery system from maleic anhydride-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals-stabilized pickering emulsion template.

The overuse of pesticides has shown their malpractices. Novel and sustainable formulations have consequently attracted abundant attention but still appear to have drawbacks. Here, we use a maleic anhydride-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals-stabilized Pickering emulsions template to prepare thermo-responsive microcapsules for a pesticide delivery system via radical polymerization with N-isopropyl acrylamide. The microcapsules (MACNCs-g-NIPAM) are characterized by the microscope, SEM, FTIR, XRD, TG-DTG, and DSC techniques. Imidacloprid (IMI) is loaded on MACNCs-g-NIPAM to form smart release systems (IMI@MACNCs-g-NIPAM) with high encapsulation efficiency (~88.49%) and loading capability (~55.02%). The IMI@MACNCs-g-NIPAM present a significant thermo-responsiveness by comparing the release ratios at 35°C and 25°C (76.22% vs 50.78%). It also exhibits advantages in spreadability, retention and flush resistance on the leaf surface compared with the commercial IMI water-dispersible granules (CG). IMI@MACNCs-g-NIPAM also manifest a significant advantage over CG (11.12 mg/L vs 38.90 mg/L for LC50) regarding activity tests of targeted organisms. In addition, IMI@MACNCs-g-NIPAM has shown excellent biocompatibility and low toxicity. All the benefits mentioned above prove the excellent potential of IMI@MACNCs-g-NIPAM as a smart pesticide formulation.

Microstructure induction of quaternary ammonium chitosan microcapsules based on magnetic field and study of their aroma release.

Traditional pressure-sensitive microcapsules used in textiles face challenges of insufficient environmental friendliness in the production process and uncontrollable fragrance release. To address this issue, this study utilized quaternary ammonium chitosan and silica as wall materials to develop a magnetic aromatic microcapsule. The microstructure of the microcapsules was controlled by magnetic field induction, and its evolution pattern was investigated. After magnetic field induction, the microcapsules exhibited a trend of evolving from spherical to asymmetrical shapes, accompanied by significant changes in mechanical properties. Asymmetrical microcapsules showed higher adhesion and lower stiffness. When applied to cotton textiles, the cotton textiles treated with asymmetrical microcapsules released 63.40 % of lavender essential oil after 200 friction cycles, representing an 11.3 % improvement in release efficiency compared to regular microcapsules, indicating better mechanical stimulus responsiveness. Additionally, in antibacterial tests, aromatic cotton exhibited a 96.52 % inhibition ratio against Escherichia coli. In summary, this study explores methods to adjust the mechanical properties of microcapsules and the relationship between mechanical properties and microstructure, providing a new approach for functional textiles.

Self-healing microcapsule - a way towards futuristic cement: an-up-to-date-review.

This article provides a brief description of microcapsule self-healing technique and its potential use in concrete structures. Because concrete is readily available and reasonably priced, it is widely utilised in the building industry globally, despite its susceptibility to the formation of cracks. The longevity and security of concrete buildings are greatly impacted by the existence of cracks and other deterioration occurring during the course of their use. Through the encapsulation of healing material inside microcapsules, which shows rupture upon cracking in cement-based materials, the microcapsule exhibits promise in accomplishing self-healing and increasing durability and strength in the structures. The article first explains the basic ideas behind the science of microcapsule self-healing and then looks at different ways to prepare microcapsules. It also looks into how adding microcapsules affects the basic characteristics of the concrete building. A summary of the efficiency and self-healing mechanisms of microcapsules is also provided.

The article explains the advantages of the microcapsule self-healing method in concrete.Preparation method and intrinsic properties of different microcapsules are discussed.Different self-healing measurement techniques in cement-based materials are discussed.The study examines the qualitative aspects of various self-healing methods.Looks into how adding microcapsules affects the properties of cementitious materials.

Improving the performance of kraft paper by cinnamon essential oil/soybean protein isolate microcapsules and konjac glucomannan for citrus preservation.

In order to reduce the quality loss of citrus and extend its storage time after harvest, it is essential to develop coated kraft papers with antibacterial and fresh-keeping properties. In this study, cinnamon essential oil (CEO)/soybean protein isolate (SPI) microcapsules were prepared by the coagulation method, and their properties were optimized. Then, the microcapsules were added to konjac glucomannan (KGM) as a coating solution to enhance the physical, and chemical properties of kraft paper by a coating method. The release behavior of CEO, tensile properties, antibacterial properties and preservation effects of the paper were investigated. The results show that when the ratio of wall to core was 7:3, the highest encapsulation rate was 92.20 ± 0.43 %. The coating treatment significantly reduced the oxygen and water vapor transmission rates of kraft paper. The shelf life of citrus treated with coated Kraft was extended by >10 days. Thus, the CEO/SPI microencapsulation and KGM coating could improve the properties of kraft paper and have the potential for citrus preservation.

Enhancement of oxidative stability of camelina oil via Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum/sodium alginate-based microcapsules loaded with Echinacea purpurea (L.) extract.

Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) and sodium alginate (SA) were utilized as wall materials for the microencapsulation of Echinacea purpurea extract via spray drying. Furthermore, effect of microcapsules on the oxidative stability of camelina oil was assessed over a 30-day storage period. The results showed that with an increase in AHSG concentration, the particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of emulsions decreased, while their viscosity, and stability increased. Microcapsules prepared with AHSG alone exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (90.70 %), loading efficiency (40.70 %), and water solubility (88.47 %), but the lowest moisture content (1.45 %), water activity (0.31), wettability (198 s), and hygroscopicity (13.50 g/100 g). Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a spherical and smooth surface for AHSG alone-based microcapsules. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that certain chemical interactions occurred between the E. purpurea extract and wall materials. By incorporating AHSG/SA-based microcapsules containing E. purpurea extract into camelina oil, the peroxide value (increasing from 1.79 to 5.12 meq∙O2/kg) and anisidine value (increasing from 1.63 to 7.09) were maintained during the 30-day storage period. In conclusion, the microcapsules prepared with AHSG alone showed significant potential for encapsulating E. purpurea extract and subsequently enhancing oxidative stability of camelina oil, comparable to TBHQ.

Photoactivated Cyclic Polyphthalaldehyde Microcapsules for Payload Delivery.

Microcapsules with a cyclic polyphthalaldehyde (cPPA) shell and oil core were fabricated by an emulsification process. The low ceiling temperature cPPA shell was made phototriggerable by incorporating a photoacid generator (PAG). Photoactivation of the PAG created a strong acid which catalyzed cPPA depolymerization, resulting in the release of the core payload, as quantified by 1H NMR. The high molecular weight cPPA (197 kDa) yielded uniform spherical microcapsules. The core diameter was 24.8 times greater than the cPPA shell thickness (2.4 to 21.6 µm). Nonionic bis(cyclohexylsulfonyl)diazomethane (BCSD) and N-hydroxynaphthalimide triflate (HNT) PAGs were used as the PAG in the microcapsule shells. BCSD required dual stimuli of UV radiation and post-exposure baking at 60 °C to activate cPPA depolymerization while room temperature irradiation of HNT resulted in instantaneous core release. A 300 s UV exposure (365 nm, 10.8 J/cm2) of the cPPA/HNT microcapsules resulted in 66.5 ± 9.4% core release. Faster core release was achieved by replacing cPPA with a phthalaldehyde/propanal copolymer. A 30 s UV exposure (365 nm, 1.08 J/cm2) resulted in 82 ± 13% core release for the 75 mol % phthalaldehyde/25 mol % propanal copolymer microcapsules. The photoresponsive shell provides a versatile polymer microcapsule technology for on-demand, controlled release of hydrophobic core payloads.

Preparation and characterization of tea tree essential oil microcapsule-coated packaging paper with bacteriostatic effect.

We prepared tea tree essential oil microcapsules, and the microcapsules and pullulan were coated on kraft paper to prepare an antibacterial paper. The antibacterial activity, structural characterization, and thermal stability of the prepared microcapsules and packaging paper were then tested. We found that the retention rate of microcapsules reached 87.1% after a 70 min of high-temperature treatment. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of microcapsules to S. aureus and E. coli were 112 mg/mL and 224 mg/mL, and the bacteriostatic zones of the packaging paper to E. coli and S. aureus were 17.49 mm and 22.75 mm, respectively. The prepared microcapsules were irregular. The paper coating was formed via hydrogen bonding, which filled the pores of paper fibers. When compared with the base paper, the roughness of the paper was reduced to 7.16 nm (Rq) and 5.61 nm (Ra), and no thermal decomposition occurred at <288 °C, which together implies a good application prospect.

DNA-origami-armored DNA Condensates.

DNA condensates, formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), emerge as promising soft matter assemblies for creating artificial cells. The advantages of DNA condensates are their molecular permeability through the surface due to their membrane-less structure and their fluidic property. However, they face challenges in the design of their surface, e.g., unintended fusion and less regulation of permeable molecules. Addressing them, we report surface modification of DNA condensates with DNA origami nanoparticles, employing a Pickering-emulsion strategy. We successfully constructed core-shell structures with DNA origami coatings on DNA condensates and further enhanced the condensate stability toward fusion via connecting DNA origamis by responding to DNA input strands. The 'armoring' prevented the fusion of DNA condensates, enabling the formation of multicellular-like structures of DNA condensates. Moreover, the permeability was altered through the state change from coating to armoring the DNA condensates. The armored DNA condensates have significant potential for constructing artificial cells, offering increased surface stability and selective permeability for small molecules while maintaining compartmentalized space and multicellular organization.

Natural shellac-based microcapsules as lipase carriers for recyclable efficient Pickering interfacial biocatalysis.

Enzyme is an important class of catalyst. However, the efficiency of enzyme-catalyzed reactions is constrained by the limited contact between the enzyme and its substrate. In this study, to overcome this challenge, lipase-loaded microcapsules were prepared from natural shellac and nanoparticles using the emulsion template method. These microcapsules can perform dual roles as stabilizers and enzyme carriers to construct a water-in-oil Pickering interfacial biocatalytic system. The results showed that the hydrolytic conversion of the microcapsules could reach 90% within 20 min, which was significantly higher than that of the traditional biphasic system. The catalytic activity was influenced by the oil-to-water volume ratio and the microcapsule content. The microcapsules remained highly catalytic efficiency even after storage for three months or seven cycles of reuse. These microcapsules were prepared without the use of any cross-linkers or harsh solvents. This green and efficient catalytic system has great application prospects in the food industry.

Protective Effects of Laminaria japonica Polysaccharide Composite Microcapsules on the Survival of Lactobacillus plantarum during Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion and Heat Treatment.

To improve probiotics' survivability during gastrointestinal digestion and heat treatment, Lactobacillus plantarum was microencapsulated by spray-drying using Laminaria japonica polysaccharide/sodium caseinate/gelatin (LJP/SC/GE) composites. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that the denaturation of LJP/SC/GE microcapsules requires higher thermal energy than that of SC/GE microcapsules, and the addition of LJP may improve thermal stability. Zeta potential measurements indicated that, at low pH of the gastric fluid, the negatively charged LJP attracted the positively charged SC/GE, helping to maintain an intact microstructure without disintegration. The encapsulation efficiency of L. plantarum-loaded LJP/SC/GE microcapsules reached about 93.4%, and the survival rate was 46.9% in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for 2 h and 96.0% in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) for 2 h. In vitro release experiments showed that the LJP/SC/GE microcapsules could protect the viability of L. plantarum in SGF and release probiotics slowly in SIF. The cell survival of LJP/SC/GE microcapsules was significantly improved during the heat treatment compared to SC/GE microcapsules and free cells. LJP/SC/GE microcapsules can increase the survival of L. plantarum by maintaining the lactate dehydrogenase and Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Overall, this study demonstrates the great potential of LJP/SC/GE microcapsules to protect and deliver probiotics in food and pharmaceutical systems.

Preparation and characterization of Iturin A/chitosan microcapsules and their application in post-harvest grape preservation.

Iturin A (IA) encapsulated in chitosan (CS) microcapsules (IA/CS) underwent thorough physicochemical characterization using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM confirmed the smooth, spherical morphology of the IA/CS microcapsules, while FTIR revealed complex intermolecular interactions between IA and CS. TGA demonstrated thermal stability within the 0-100 °C range, while particle size analysis revealed an average diameter of 553.4 nm. To evaluate IA/CS efficacy in post-harvest grape preservation, grapes were treated with sterile water (CK), 10 g/L CS, 0.1 g/L IA/CS, and 0.1 g/L chitosan empty microcapsules (CKM), then stored at 25 °C for 16 days. IA/CS significantly reduced decay and respiration intensity by 52.3 % and 23.8 %, respectively, compared to CK. IA/CS treatment also inhibited abscission rate, weight loss, firmness reduction, total soluble solids consumption, titratable acidity consumption, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase activities on par with CS treatment (p > 0.05), but performed better than CK (reductions of 26.9 %, 41.2 %, 25.8 %, 27.2 %, 24.2 %, 19.4 %, and 17.4 %, respectively) and CKM (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation confirmed that IA/CS effectively suppressed decay, slowed post-harvest metabolic activity, and maintained grape quality. Therefore, IA/CS microcapsules offer a promising method for extending grape shelf life and preserving quality.

Current Challenges in Microcapsule Designs and Microencapsulation Processes: A Review.

Microencapsulation is an advanced methodology for the protection, preservation, and/or delivery of active materials in a wide range of industrial sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fragrances, paints, coatings, detergents, food products, and agrochemicals. Polymeric materials have been extensively used as microcapsule shells to provide appropriate barrier properties to achieve controlled release of the encapsulated active ingredient. However, significant limitations are associated with such capsules, including undesired leaching and the nonbiodegradable nature of the typically used polymers. In addition, the energy cost of manufacturing microcapsules is an important factor to be considered when designing microcapsule systems and the corresponding production processes. Recent factors linked to UN sustainability goals are modifying how such microencapsulation systems should be designed in pursuit of "ideal" microcapsules that are efficient, safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This review provides an overview of advances in microencapsulation, with emphasis on sustainable microcapsule designs. The key evaluation techniques to assess the biodegradability of microcapsules, in compliance with recently evolving European Union requirements, are also described. Moreover, the most common methodologies for the fabrication of microcapsules are presented within the framework of their energy demand. Recent promising microcapsule designs are also highlighted for their suitability toward meeting current design requirements and stringent regulations, tackling the ongoing challenges, limitations, and opportunities.

Enhancing UV radiation protection of Bacillus thuringiensis formulations using sulfur quantum dots: synthesis and efficacy evaluation.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a widely used microbial insecticide, but its effectiveness is limited due to the degradation of Bt spores and crystals under UV radiation from sunlight. The objective of this study was to develop a novel Bt formulation with improved UV protection by utilizing sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) as stabilizing agents in a Pickering emulsion. The SQDs were comprehensively characterized using FTIR, XRD, TEM, HRTEM, UV, and fluorescence analyses, which confirmed the formation of well-dispersed, spherical SQDs. The microcapsule formulation with SQDs demonstrated superior UV stability, as it maintained 57.77% spore viability after 96 h of UV exposure, in comparison to 33.74% and 31.25% for the SQDs formulation (non-microcapsules) and unprotected Bt formulations (free spore, as a control), respectively. Furthermore, the microcapsule formulation exhibited higher insecticidal activity, resulting in a larval mortality of 71.22%, as opposed to 42.34% and 38.42% for the other formulations. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of microcapsule formulation with SQDs in safeguarding Bt spores and crystals against UV radiation, thereby enhancing their practical application in pest control. This approach presents a promising strategy for the development of biopesticides that are more resilient and have a longer shelf life.