From pollen grains to functionalized microcapsules: a facile chemical route using ionic liquids.

We report a green, facile chemical approach to isolate sporopollenin capsules from pollen grains based on the use of ionic liquids (ILs). Depending on the IL structure, it is possible to remove proteins and the cellulose-rich cell wall (intine) assuring grain integrity and simultaneously obtaining a direct functionalization of the sporopollenin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]