water - soluble and water - insoluble solid and liquid core materials are encapsulated by the same method . core materials are simply entrapped in a matrix of water - insoluble polyhydroxy polymers which are insolubilized from their corresponding water - soluble xanthates in the presence of the core materials . encapsulation of biologically active compositions provides a shield against hostile environments , improves safety in handling , and slows the release of such compounds to the surrounding medium . highly volatile liquids are protected against losses by evaporation . encapsulation also provides protection against decomposition from exposure to ultraviolet light .