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Printed asymmetric microcapsules: Facile loading and multiple stimuli-responsiveness
Valeriya Kudryavtseva1, Anton Bukatin2, Ekaterina Vyacheslavova3
1Nanoforce Technology Ltd, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom; National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30 Lenin Avenue, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation.
Researchers developed new asymmetric polymer capsules using soft lithography for improved drug delivery. These functional capsules offer controlled release and versatile applications in medicine and beyond.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Existing colloidal particles and capsules face challenges like low loading capacity and non-uniformity.
- There is a need for versatile carriers with tailored functionalities for diverse cargo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for fabricating defined-shaped, functionally asymmetric polymer capsules.
- To combine the benefits of layer-by-layer and printed capsules for enhanced performance.
- To create stimuli-responsive capsules with controlled geometry and monodisperse size distribution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a soft lithography approach for capsule fabrication.
- Constructed asymmetric capsules using polyelectrolyte multilayers (PAH-PSS) for the 'cup' and biodegradable polyether (PLGA) for the 'lid'.
- Investigated stimuli-responsive cargo release triggered by temperature, ultrasonication, and pH shifts.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated asymmetric polymer capsules with a core-shell structure and monodisperse size distribution.
- Demonstrated stimuli-responsive cargo release using temperature, ultrasonication, and pH changes.
- Showcased the system's applicability for triggered drug release using dexamethasone.
Conclusions:
- The developed soft lithography method enables the fabrication of defined-shaped, functionally asymmetric polymer capsules.
- These asymmetric capsules offer stimuli-responsiveness and controlled cargo release, addressing limitations of current carrier systems.
- The versatile capsules show potential for applications in pharmacology, diagnostics, sensors, micro- and nanoreactors, and chemical actuators.
