Microencapsulation involves coating solid or liquid core materials with a polymeric shell on a small scale, typically 1-1000 microns. It can be used to mask tastes, sustain drug release, stabilize compounds, and convert liquids to powders. Common coating materials are polymers, waxes, carbohydrates and proteins. Microcapsules are manufactured using various physical and chemical methods like pan coating, spray drying, solvent evaporation and polymerization. They have applications in food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and more to enhance product stability, delivery and performance.