Synthesis, Characterization, and Long-Term Stability of Hollow Polymer Nanocapsules with Nanometer-Thin Walls

Hollow polymer nanocapsules are produced by the polymerization within hydrophobic interior of lipid bilayers that act as temporary self-assembled scaffolds. Pore-forming templates are co-dissolved with monomers in the bilayers to create pores with controlled size and chemical environment. Polymerization was monitored with UV spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. High resolution magic angle spinning NMR characterization provided detailed structural information about nanocapsules. Spherical shape was confirmed by electron microscopy. Medium-sized molecules can be entrapped within porous nanocapsules. No release of encapsulated molecules was observed within 240 days.