Delivery Capsules

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Learners make self-assembled polymer spheres as a model for the lipid nanoparticles found in COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Learners not only discover that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures, but they also gain first-hand experience with the kind of self-assembly that is used to make nanocapsules that can deliver medication like vaccines. This activity is a fun way to talk about the connections between science and cooking, since the capsules produced in this activity are also used in molecular gastronomy. These materials were adapted from the National Informal STEM Education Network.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Strainer
  • Bowl or other shallow container
  • Calcium chloride solution (0.75 M in water)
  • Sodium alginate solution in dropper bottles (3% in water, with food coloring)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Viruses and Bacteria
    • Human Body
      • Health and Nutrition
      • Medicine
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • Creative Commons: Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa), , 2022

Funding Sources:

  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control
  • Institute of Museum and Library Services