Abstract
Composite microcapsules have been aggressively pursued as designed chemical entities for biomedical and other applications. Common preparations rely on multi-step, time consuming processes. Here, we present a single-step approach to fabricate such microcapsules with shells composed of nanoparticle-polyelectrolyte and protein-polyelectrolyte complexes, and demonstrate control of the mechanical and release properties of these constructs. Interfacial polyelectrolyte-nanoparticle and polyelectrolyte-protein complexation across a water-oil droplet interface results in the formation of capsules with shell thicknesses of a few μm. Silica shell microcapsules exhibited a significant plastic response at small deformations, whereas lysozyme incorporated shells displayed a more elastic response. We exploit the plasticity of nanoparticle incorporated shells to produce microcapsules with high aspect ratio protrusions by micropipette aspiration.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 7478-7482 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Soft Matter |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 38 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 7 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics