the methods of the invention employ electrostatic atomization to form a compound droplet of at least two miscible fluids . the compound droplet comprises a core of a first fluid and a layer of a second fluid completely surrounding the core . the first fluid contains the agent to be encapsulated and the second fluid contains an encapsulating agent . the first and second liquids are miscible . the encapsulated droplets can contain a variety of materials including , but not limited to , polynucleotides such as dna and rna , proteins , bioactive agents or drugs , food , pesticides , herbicides , fragrances , antifoulants , dyes , oils , inks , cosmetics , catalysts , detergents , curing agents , flavors , fuels , metals , paints , photographic agents , biocides , pigments , plasticizers , propellants and the like and components thereof . the droplets can be encapsulated by a variety of materials , including , but not limited to , lipid bilayers and polymer shells . an additional complete or partial layer of a third fluid can be formed on the outside of the second fluid layer . the third fluid can contain a targeting or steric stabilizing agent .