Polymeric disinfectant nanocapsules: effect of molecular weight of poly(methyl acrylate)

Poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) of various weight average molecular weights (Mw) were synthesized via the iniferter route and applied for the encapsulation of disinfectant agent (chlorhexidine digluconate; CHD) by using the controlled precipitation technique. The encapsulation efficiency of CHD-PMA nanocapsules suspended in cyclohexane increased from 70 to 100% when the Mw of PMA increased from 40 K to 550 K. After redispersing the capsules into 0.5% w/v of sodium dodecyl sulphate aqueous solution, the maximum content of CHD in the nanocapsules remained >90%. Transmission electron micrographs showed the spherical nanocapsule with continuous intact shell.