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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules
Published on: August 19, 2015
Remote control over guidance and release properties of composite polyelectrolyte based capsules
Maria N Antipina1, Gleb B Sukhorukov
1Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR, Singapore.
Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules with embedded nanoparticles offer remote control for drug delivery. These systems can be guided by magnetic fields and triggered by light or ultrasound for targeted bioactive release.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) capsules are versatile for creating micro/submicron delivery systems.
- Incorporating nanoparticles into PEM constructs enables external guidance and triggered release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules for remotely controlled bioactive delivery.
- To discuss future perspectives and challenges for in-vivo and in-vitro applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules.
- Embedding of magnetic nanoparticles for remote guidance.
- Stimuli-responsive release mechanisms (light, ultrasound).
- In-vitro studies of capsule internalization and addressing in living cells.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated optical and magnetic control of PEM capsules within cells in-vitro.
- Established PEM capsules as platforms for targeted drug delivery systems.
- Highlighted the potential for in-situ triggered release of encapsulated bioactives.
Conclusions:
- Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules with nanoparticles show significant promise for advanced drug delivery.
- Further research is needed to overcome obstacles for successful in-vivo applications.
- Remotely controlled release offers precise therapeutic interventions.
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