A decade of developing applications exploiting the properties of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• The layer-by-layer (LbL) technique is a versatile method for fabricating thin films and coatings.
• Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules offer unique properties due to their tunable shell composition and hollow interiors.
• Recent advancements have focused on adapting LbL coatings from planar surfaces to complex 3D structures like capsules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the developments in polyelectrolyte multilayer capsule fabrication and application.
• To highlight key trends and innovations in the field over the last decade.
• To explore the expanding range of applications for these advanced materials.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules via LbL coating on sacrificial spherical templates.
• Dissolution of spherical templates to yield free-standing multilayer capsules.
• Characterization of capsule properties, including shell composition and structural integrity.
• Investigation of various encapsulation and release mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful transfer of LbL coating from planar to spherical substrates.
• Showcased the versatility of capsule coatings by incorporating diverse materials.
• Documented a broad spectrum of explored applications, from drug delivery to sensing.
• Identified emerging application areas and continuous growth in the field.

Conclusions:

• Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules fabricated using LbL on spherical templates represent a significant advancement in materials science.
• The adaptability and tunability of these capsules facilitate a wide array of current and future applications.
• The field is dynamic, with ongoing research expanding the utility and scope of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules.