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Encapsulation, release and applications of LbL polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules
Andre G Skirtach1, Alexey M Yashchenok, Helmuth Möhwald
1Max-Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, 14424-Potsdam, Germany. skirtach@mpikg.mpg.de
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|November 16, 2011
Summary
Polyelectrolyte multilayer micro- and nano-capsules offer advanced solutions for controlled release and encapsulation. Recent developments have expanded their applications in drug delivery and cell biology research.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polyelectrolyte multilayer micro- and nano-capsules, invented in 1998, have become significant tools in various scientific disciplines.
- Progress since 2000 has focused on their encapsulation and release properties, structural diversity, and biological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules since the millennium.
- To highlight their diverse structures and applications in biology and medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on polyelectrolyte multilayer capsule development.
- Analysis of encapsulation and release mechanisms.
- Categorization of capsule structures (multicompartment, anisotropic).
- Examples of biological and medical applications.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in controlling encapsulation and release processes.
- Development of complex capsule architectures like multicompartment and anisotropic constructs.
- Demonstrated utility in drug delivery, intracellular trafficking, enzyme reactions, and mechanobiology.
Conclusions:
- Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules are versatile platforms with expanding applications.
- Recent innovations continue to drive progress in fields like targeted drug delivery and biological studies.
- These capsules are crucial for advancing research in medicine and materials science.
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