Immobilization of microorganisms within porous polymeric capsules
(321–326) Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 121 #1 (2011)
Nagashima, Hirose and Matsuyama of Kobe University and Teijin Co, Japan, prepared porous capsules for immobilizing yeast and Escherichia coli by the phase separation of poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) solution. The microorganisms were coated with starch or dextrin, which was subsequently extracted after capsule formation but served both to position the microorganisms in the capsule pores and to form spaces around the microorganisms. Fermentation experiments were carried out with capsules immobilizing yeast. Yeasts could be cultivated in the capsules, and effective release of CO2 produced by the fermentation was observed with capsules prepared using polyethylene glycol because of the porous structure at the capsule surfaces. Notably, yeasts could be cultivated at high density even after 1 year.  (RDC 4/14/2011)

Self-assembled vesicles of amphiphilic poly(dimethylsiloxane)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers as nanotanks for hydrophobic drugs  (1-8) Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 372 #1-3 (2010)
Li, Li Wan and Hou of Qingdao University of Science and Technology, China synthesized amphiphilic copolymers of poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PDMS-b-PEG) to form nanospheres in the mixed solvent of THF and water.  The hydrophobic domain of the obtained nanospheres could encapsulate hydrophobic drugs serving