Liposomal microencapsulation using the conventional methods and novel supercritical fluid processes

• Organic solvent residue has always been a concern in conventional liposomal microencapsulation.
• The SCF techniques provide a promising alternative to address the solvent-residue issue.
• Mechanism of main SCF techniques are well explained with successful examples.
• Features of conventional and innovative liposomal microencapsulation are compared.
• Latest developments of SCF microencapsulation are summarized in this review.

BackgroundLiposomes are spherical phospholipid vesicles with the capability of versatile microencapsulation of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. Organic solvent residue has always been a concern in conventional methods of liposome generation.Scope and approachDense gas techniques using supercritical carbon dioxide as the phospholipid-dissolving agent can provide a green solution for reduction or avoidance of organic solvent use.Key findings and conclusionsIn this review, conventional and dense gas processes of liposomal microencapsulation are evaluated. Comprehensively understanding the current progress of supercritical fluid techniques for liposomal microencapsulation will be helpful for development of a non-toxic continuous process of this application in the food and related industries.