Shell Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid/Polylysine Layer-by-Layer Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules Prepared by Removal of Reducible Hyaluronic Acid Microgel Cores

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

Transferring the layer-by-layer (LbL) coating approach from planar surfaces to spherical templates and subsequently dissolving these templates leads to the fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules. The versatility of the coatings of capsules and their flexibility upon bringing in virtually any material into the coatings has quickly drawn substantial attention. Here, we provide an overview of the main developments in this field, highlighting the trends in the last decade. In the beginning, various methods of encapsulation and release are discussed followed by a broad range of applications, which were developed and explored. We also outline the current trends, where the range of applications is continuing to grow, including addition of whole new and different application areas.

Advanced Delivery Systems Based on Lysine or Lysine Polymers

Polylysine and materials that integrate lysine form promising drug delivery platforms. As a cationic macromolecule, a polylysine polymer electrostatically interacts with cells and is efficiently internalized, thereby enabling intracellular delivery. Although polylysine is intrinsically pH-responsive, the conjugation with different functional groups imparts smart, stimuli-responsive traits by adding pH-, temperature-, hypoxia-, redox-, and enzyme-responsive features for enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents. Because of such characteristics, polylysine has been used to deliver various cargos such as small-molecule drugs, genes, proteins, and imaging agents. Furthermore, modifying contrast agents with polylysine has been shown to improve performance, including increasing cellular uptake and stability. In this review, the use of lysine residues, peptides, and polymers in various drug delivery systems has been discussed comprehensively to provide insight into the design and robust manufacturing of lysine-based delivery platforms.

Biopolymer-Based Multilayer Capsules and Beads Made via Templating: Advantages, Hurdles and Perspectives

One of the undeniable trends in modern bioengineering and nanotechnology is the use of various biomolecules, primarily of a polymeric nature, for the design and formulation of novel functional materials for controlled and targeted drug delivery, bioimaging and theranostics, tissue engineering, and other bioapplications. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, the possibility of replicating natural cellular microenvironments, and the minimal toxicity typical of biogenic polymers are features that have secured a growing interest in them as the building blocks for biomaterials of the fourth generation. Many recent studies showed the promise of the hard-templating approach for the fabrication of nano- and microparticles utilizing biopolymers. This review covers these studies, bringing together up-to-date knowledge on biopolymer-based multilayer capsules and beads, critically assessing the progress made in this field of research, and outlining the current challenges and perspectives of these architectures. According to the classification of the templates, the review sequentially considers biopolymer structures templated on non-porous particles, porous particles, and crystal drugs. Opportunities for the functionalization of biopolymer-based capsules to tailor them toward specific bioapplications is highlighted in a separate section.

Layer-by-Layer Assembled Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for CD-44 Receptor-Based Targeting in HIV-Infected Macrophages for Efficient HIV-1 Inhibition

Macrophages act as a cellular reservoir in HIV infection. Elimination of HIV from macrophages has been an unfulfilled dream due to the failure of drugs to reach them. To address this, we developed CD44 receptor-targeted, novel hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) of efavirenz via washless layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of HA and polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH). NLCs were subjected to TEM analysis, size and zeta potential, in vitro release and encapsulation efficiency studies. The uptake of NLCs in THP-1 cells was studied using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The anti-HIV efficacy was evaluated using p24 antigen inhibition assay. NLCs were found to be spherical in shape with anionic zeta potential (-23.66 ± 0.87 mV) and 241.83 ± 5.38 nm particle size. NLCs exhibited prolonged release of efavirenz during in vitro drug release studies. Flow cytometry revealed 1.73-fold higher uptake of HA-coated NLCs in THP-1 cells. Cytotoxicity studies showed no significant change in cell viability in presence of NLCs as compared with the control. HA-coated NLCs distributed throughout the cell including cytoplasm, plasma membrane and nucleus, as observed during fluorescence microscopy. HA-coated NLCs demonstrated consistent and significantly higher inhibition (81.26 ± 1.70%) of p24 antigen which was 2.08-fold higher than plain NLCs. The obtained results suggested preferential uptake of HA-coated NLCs via CD44-mediated uptake. The present finding demonstrates that HA-based CD44 receptor targeting in HIV infection is an attractive strategy for maximising the drug delivery to macrophages and achieve effective viral inhibition.

Layer-By-Layer Assemblies of Biopolymers: Build-Up, Mechanical Stability and Molecular Dynamics

Rapid development of versatile layer-by-layer technology has resulted in important breakthroughs in the understanding of the nature of molecular interactions in multilayer assemblies made of polyelectrolytes. Nowadays, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) are considered to be non-equilibrium and highly dynamic structures. High interest in biomedical applications of PEMs has attracted attention to PEMs made of biopolymers. Recent studies suggest that biopolymer dynamics determines the fate and the properties of such PEMs; however, deciphering, predicting and controlling the dynamics of polymers remains a challenge. This review brings together the up-to-date knowledge of the role of molecular dynamics in multilayers assembled from biopolymers. We discuss how molecular dynamics determines the properties of these PEMs from the nano to the macro scale, focusing on its role in PEM formation and non-enzymatic degradation. We summarize the factors allowing the control of molecular dynamics within PEMs, and therefore to tailor polymer multilayers on demand.

Encapsulation of Low-Molecular-Weight Drugs into Polymer Multilayer Capsules Templated on Vaterite CaCO3 Crystals

Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules (PEMCs) templated onto biocompatible and easily degradable vaterite CaCO₃ crystals via the layer-by-layer (LbL) polymer deposition process have served as multifunctional and tailor-made vehicles for advanced drug delivery. Since the last two decades, the PEMCs were utilized for effective encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, etc.). However, their capacity to host low-molecular-weight (LMW) drugs (<1–2 kDa) has been demonstrated rather recently due to a limited retention ability of multilayers to small molecules. The safe and controlled delivery of LMW drugs plays a vital role for the treatment of cancers and other diseases, and, due to their tunable and inherent properties, PEMCs have shown to be good candidates for smart drug delivery. Herein, we summarize recent progress on the encapsulation of LMW drugs into PEMCs templated onto vaterite CaCO₃ crystals. The drug loading and release mechanisms, advantages and limitations of the PEMCs as LMW drug carriers, as well as bio-applications of drug-laden capsules are discussed based upon the recent literature findings.

Microgels in biomaterials and nanomedicines

Microgels are colloidal particles with crosslinked polymer networks and dimensions ranging from tens of nanometers to micrometers. Specifically, smart microgels are fascinating capable of responding to biological signals in vivo or remote triggers and making the possible for applications in biomaterials and biomedicines. Therefore, how to fundamentally design microgels is an urgent problem to be solved. In this review, we put forward our important fundamental opinions on how to devise the intelligent microgels for cancer therapy, biosensing and biological lubrication. We focus on the design ideas instead of specific implementation process by employing reverse synthesis analysis to programme the microgels at the original stage. Moreover, special insights will be, for the first time, as far as we know, dedicated to the particles completely composed of DNA or proteins into microgel systems. These are discussed in detail in this review. We expect to give readers a broad overview of the design criteria and practical methodologies of microgels according to the application fields, as well as to propel the further developments of highly interesting concepts and materials.

Layer-by-layer adsorption: Factors affecting the choice of substrates and polymers

The electrostatic layer-by-layer technique for fabrication of multi-layered structures of various sizes and shapes using flat and colloidal templates coupled with polyelectrolyte layer-forming materials has attracted significant interest among both academic and industrial researchers due to its versatility and relative simplicity of the procedures involved in its execution. Fabrication of the multi-layered structures using the electrostatic layer-by-layer method involves several distinct stages each of which holds great importance when considering the production of a high-quality product. These stages include selection of materials (both template and a pair of construction polyelectrolytes), adsorption of the first polyelectrolyte layer onto the selected templates, formation of the second layer comprised of the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte and guided by the interactions between the two chosen polyelectrolytes, and multi-layering, where a selected number of layers are produced, and which is conditioned by both intrinsic properties of the involved construction materials and external fabrication conditions such as temperature, pH and ionic strength. The current review summarises the most important aspects of each stage mentioned above and gives examples of the materials suitable for utilization of the technique and describes the underlying physics involved.

One-Step Generation of Salt-Responsive Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules via Surfactant-Organized Nanoscale Interfacial Complexation in Emulsions (SO NICE)

Polyelectrolyte microcapsules are versatile compartments for encapsulation, protection, and controlled/triggered release of active agents. Conventional methods of polyelectrolyte microcapsule preparation require multiple steps or do not allow for efficient encapsulation of active agents in the lumen of the microcapsule. In this work, we present the fabrication of hollow polyelectrolyte microcapsules with a salt-responsive property based on surfactant organized nanoscale interfacial complexation in emulsions (SO NICE). In SO NICE, polyelectrolyte microcapsules are templated by water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions. One polyelectrolyte is dissolved in the inner water droplet of the W/O/W double emulsions, whereas the second polyelectrolyte is dissolved in the organic phase by hydrophobic ion paring with an oppositely charged hydrophobic surfactant. Interfacial complexation of the two polyelectrolytes generates a few hundred-nanometer thick film at the inner water-oil interface of the W/O/W double emulsions. SO NICE microcapsules can be triggered to release their cargo by increasing the ionic strength of the solution, which is a hallmark of polyelectrolyte-based microcapsules. By enabling dissolution and interfacial complexation of polyelectrolytes in organic solvents, SO NICE widens the pallet of polymers that can be used to generate functional polyelectrolyte microcapsules with high encapsulation efficiency for applications in encapsulation and controlled/triggered release.

Surface Engineered Protein Nanoparticles With Hyaluronic Acid Based Multilayers For Targeted Delivery Of Anticancer Agents

Layer-by-layer (LbL) technique was employed to modify the surface of doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles using hyaluronic acid (HA) to enable targeted delivery to overexpressed CD44 receptors in metastatic breast cancer cells. LbL technique offers a versatile approach to modify the surface of colloidal nanoparticles without any covalent modification. Dox-loaded BSA (Dox Ab) nanoparticles optimized for their size, zeta potential, and drug encapsulation efficiency were prepared by modified desolvation technique. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of the LbL coated Dox Ab nanoparticles were analyzed in CD44 overexpressing breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Nanoparticles with HA as the final layer (Dox Ab HA) showed maximum cellular uptake in MDA-MB-231 cells owing to the CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis and hence, exhibited more cytotoxicity as compared to free Dox. Further, luciferase-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells were used to induce tumor in BALB/c female nude mice to enable whole body tumor imaging. The mice were imaged before and after Dox treatment to visualize the tumor growth. The in vivo biodistribution of Dox Ab HA nanoparticles in nude mice showed maximum accumulation in tumor, and importantly, better tumor reduction in comparison with free Dox, thus paving the way for improved drug delivery into tumors.

Enzymatic Degradation of Polysaccharide-Based Layer-by-Layer Structures

The lack of knowledge on the degradation of layer-by-layer structures is one of the causes hindering its translation to preclinical assays. The enzymatic degradation of chitosan/hyaluronic acid films in the form of ultrathin films, freestanding membranes, and microcapsules was studied resorting to hyaluronidase. The reduction of the thickness of ultrathin films was dependent on the hyaluronidase concentration, leading to thickness and topography variations. Freestanding membranes exhibited accelerated weight loss up to 120 h in the presence of the enzyme, achieving complete degradation. Microcapsules with around 5 μm loaded simultaneously with FITC-BSA and hyaluronidase showed that the coencapsulation of such enzyme and protein mixture led to a FITC-BSA release four times higher than in the absence of hyaluronidase. The results suggest that the degradation of LbL devices may be tuned via embedded enzymes, namely, in the controlled release of active agents in biomedical applications.

Cross-linked nanofilms for tunable permeability control in a composite microdomain system

Use of cross-linked nanofilms to manipulate the permeability of analytes in LbL microcapsule enabled nanocomposite devices.

pH Responsiveness of Multilayered Films and Membranes Made of Polysaccharides

We investigated the pH-dependent properties of multilayered films made of chitosan (CHI) and alginate (ALG) and focused on their postassembly response to different pH environments using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), swelling studies, ζ potential measurements, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In an acidic environment, the multilayers presented lower dissipation values and, consequently, higher moduli when compared with the values obtained for the pH used during the assembly (5.5). When the multilayers were exposed to alkaline environments, the opposite behavior occurred. These results were further corroborated by the ability of this multilayered system to exhibit a reversible swelling-deswelling behavior within the pH range from 3 to 9. The changes in the physicochemical properties of the multilayer system were gradual and different from those of individual solubilized polyelectrolytes. This behavior is related to electrostatic interactions between the ionizable groups combined with hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Beyond the pH range of 3-9, the multilayers were stabilized by genipin cross-linking. The multilayered films also became more rigid while the pH responsiveness conferred by the ionizable moieties of the polyelectrolytes was preserved. This work demonstrates the versatility and feasibility of LbL methodology to generate inherently pH stimulus-responsive nanostructured films. Surface functionalization using pH responsiveness endows several biomedical applications with abilities such as drug delivery, diagnostics, microfluidics, biosensing, and biomimetic implantable membranes.

Synthesis of Nonspherical Microcapsules through Controlled Polyelectrolyte Coating of Hydrogel Templates

We report a simple approach to fabricate custom-shape microcapsules using hydrogel templates synthesized by stop flow lithography. Cargo-containing microcapsules were made by coating hydrogel particles with a single layer of poly-l-lysine followed by a one-step core degradation and capsule cross-linking procedure. We determined appropriate coating conditions by investigating the effect of pH, ionic strength, and prepolymer composition on the diffusion of polyelectrolytes into the oppositely charged hydrogel template. We also characterized the degradation of the templating core by tracking the diffusivity of nanoparticles embedded within the hydrogel. Unlike any other technique, this approach allows for easy fabrication of microcapsules with internal features (e.g., toroids) and selective surface modification of Janus particles using any polyelectrolyte. These soft, flexible capsules may be useful for therapeutic applications as well as fundamental studies of membrane mechanics.

Interaction of Hyaluronan with Cationic Nanoparticles

The polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA) is a main component of peri- and extracellular matrix, and an attractive molecule for materials design in tissue engineering and nanomedicine. Here, we study the morphology of complexes that form upon interaction of nanometer-sized amine-coated gold particles with this anionic, linear, and regular biopolymer in solution and grafted to a surface. We find that cationic nanoparticles (NPs) have profound effects on HA morphology on the molecular and supramolecular scale. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) shows that depending on their relative abundance, cationic NPs promote either strong compaction or swelling of films of surface-grafted HA polymers (HA brushes). Transmission electron and atomic force microscopy reveal that the NPs do also give rise to complexes of distinct morphologies-compact nanoscopic spheres and extended microscopic fibers-upon interaction with HA polymers in solution. In particular, stable and hydrated spherical complexes of single HA polymers with NPs can be prepared when balancing the ionizable groups on HA and NPs. The observed self-assembly phenomena could be useful for the design of drug delivery vehicles and a better understanding of the reorganization of HA-rich synthetic or biological matrices.

Temperature-Induced Assembly of Monodisperse, Covalently Cross-Linked, and Degradable Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Microgels Based on Oligomeric Precursors

A simple, rapid, solvent-free, and scalable thermally driven self-assembly approach is described to produce monodisperse, covalently cross-linked, and degradable poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels based on mixing hydrazide (PNIPAM-Hzd) and aldehyde (PNIPAM-Ald) functionalized PNIPAM precursors. Preheating of a seed PNIPAM-Hzd solution above its phase transition temperature produces nanoaggregates that are subsequently stabilized and cross-linked by the addition of PNIPAM-Ald. The ratio of PNIPAM-Hzd:PNIPAM-Ald used to prepare the microgels, the time between PNIPAM-Ald addition and cooling, the temperature to which the PNIPAM-Hzd polymer solution is preheated, and the concentration of PNIPAM-Hzd in the initial seed solution can all be used to control the size of the resulting microgels. The microgels exhibit similar thermal phase transition behavior to conventional precipitation-based microgels but are fully degradable into oligomeric precursor polymers. The microgels can also be lyophilized and redispersed without any change in colloidal stability or particle size and exhibit no significant cytotoxicity in vitro. We anticipate that microgels fabricated using this approach may facilitate translation of the attractive properties of such microgels in vivo without the concerns regarding microgel clearance that exist with other PNIPAM-based microgels.

Bioresorbable polyelectrolytes for smuggling drugs into cells

There is ample evidence that biodegradable polyelectrolyte nanocapsules are multifunctional vehicles which can smuggle drugs into cells, and release them upon endogenous activation. A large number of endogenous stimuli have already been tested in vitro, and in vivo research is escalating. Thus, the interest in the design of intelligent polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) drug delivery systems is clear. The need of the hour is a systematic translation of PEM-based drug delivery systems from the lab to clinical studies. Reviews on multifarious stimuli that can trigger the release of drugs from such systems already exist. This review summarizes the available literature, with emphasis on the recent progress in PEM-based drug delivery systems that are receptive in the presence of endogenous stimuli, including enzymes, glucose, glutathione, pH, and temperature, and addresses different active and passive drug targeting strategies. Insights into the current knowledge on the diversified endogenous approaches and methodological challenges may bring inspiration to resolve issues that currently bottleneck the successful implementation of polyelectrolytes into the catalog of third-generation drug delivery systems.

Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Biopolyelectrolytes onto Thermo/pH-Responsive Micro/Nano-Gels

This review deals with the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayers of biopolymers, polypeptides (i.e., poly-l-lysine/poly-l-glutamic acid) and polysaccharides (i.e., chitosan/dextran sulphate/sodium alginate), onto thermo- and/or pH-responsive micro- and nano-gels such as those based on synthetic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or biodegradable hyaluronic acid (HA) and dextran-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (DEX-HEMA). The synthesis of the ensembles and their characterization by way of various techniques is described. The morphology, hydrodynamic size, surface charge density, bilayer thickness, stability over time and mechanical properties of the systems are discussed. Further, the mechanisms of interaction between biopolymers and gels are analysed. Results demonstrate that the structure and properties of biocompatible multilayer films can be finely tuned by confinement onto stimuli-responsive gels, which thus provides new perspectives for biomedical applications, particularly in the controlled release of biomolecules, bio-sensors, gene delivery, tissue engineering and storage.

Protein microcapsules: preparation and applications

Liposomes and polymerosomes generally represent the two most widely used carriers for encapsulating compounds, in particular drugs for delivery. While these are well established carriers, recent applications in biomedicine and food industry have necessitated the use of proteins as robust carriers that are stable under extreme acidic and basic conditions, have practically no toxicity and are able to withstand high shear force. This review highlights the different methods for using proteins as encapsulating materials and lists some biomedical applications of the microcapsules. The advantages and limitations in the capsules from the different preparation routes are enumerated.

Biological applications of LbL multilayer capsules: from drug delivery to sensing

Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) capsules engineered with active elements for targeting, labeling, sensing and delivery hold great promise for the controlled delivery of drugs and the development of new sensing platforms. PEM capsules composed of biodegradable polyelectrolytes are fabricated for intracellular delivery of encapsulated cargo (for example peptides, enzymes, DNA, and drugs) through gradual biodegradation of the shell components. PEM capsules with shells responsive to environmental or physical stimuli are exploited to control drug release. In the presence of appropriate triggers (e.g., pH variation or light irradiation) the pores of the multilayer shell are unlocked, leading to the controlled release of encapsulated cargos. By loading sensing elements in the capsules interior, PEM capsules sensitive to biological analytes, such as ions and metabolites, are assembled and used to detect analyte concentration changes in the surrounding environment. This Review aims to evaluate the current state of PEM capsules for drug delivery and sensing applications.

Emerging methods for the fabrication of polymer capsules

Hollow polymer capsules are attracting increasing research interest due to their potential application as drug delivery vectors, sensors, biomimetic nano- or multi-compartment reactors and catalysts. Thus, significant effort has been directed toward tuning their size, composition, morphology, and functionality to further their application. In this review, we provide an overview of emerging techniques for the fabrication of polymer capsules, encompassing: self-assembly, layer-by-layer assembly, single-step polymer adsorption, bio-inspired assembly, surface polymerization, and ultrasound assembly. These techniques can be applied to prepare polymer capsules with diverse functionality and physicochemical properties, which may fulfill specific requirements in various areas. In addition, we critically evaluate the challenges associated with the application of polymer capsules in drug delivery systems.

Tailoring layer-by-layer capsules for biomedical applications

Polymeric capsules have attracted great interest as versatile carrier systems in the area of medicine and pharmaceutics. These capsules are made by stepwise layer-by-layer adsorption of polymers onto a template core, which can be removed to produce hollow capsules. The cavity of these capsules can host various cargo molecules while the capsules’ wall can be functionalized towards desired properties by embedding specific moieties into the multilayers. Tuning of the capsules’ properties influences their interaction with cells and tissues and paves the way towards the development of stimuli-responsive capsules releasing their payload at a target site. In this review, we describe the generation of tailored layer-by-layer capsules and focus hereby on numerous potential applications of this multifunctional delivery platform in biomedical settings. We review the current status in the field and discuss the opportunities, as well as the hurdles, to be overcome to successfully transfer this technology to therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Microgels and microcapsules in peptide and protein drug delivery

The present review focuses on the interaction of microgels and microcapsules with biological macromolecules, particularly peptides and proteins, as well as drug delivery applications of such systems. Results from recent studies on factors affecting peptide/protein binding to, and release from, microgels and related systems are discussed, including effects of network properties, as well as protein aggregation, peptide length, hydrophobicity and charge (distributions), secondary structure, and cyclization. Effects of ambient conditions (pH, ionic strength, temperature, etc.) are also discussed, all with focus on factors of importance for the performance of microgel and microcapsule delivery systems for biomacromolecular drugs.

Drug-loaded polyelectrolyte microcapsules for sustained targeting of cancer cells

In this review we will overview novel nanotechnological nanocarrier systems for cancer therapy focusing on recent development in polyelectrolyte capsules for targeted delivery of antineoplastic drugs against cancer cells. Biodegradable polyelectrolyte microcapsules (PMCs) are supramolecular assemblies of particular interest for therapeutic purposes, as they can be enzymatically degraded into viable cells, under physiological conditions. Incorporation of small bioactive molecules into nano-to-microscale delivery systems may increase drug's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy at single cell level giving desirable targeted therapy. Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled PMCs are efficient microcarriers that maximize drug's exposure enhancing antitumor activity of neoplastic drug in cancer cells. They can be envisaged as novel multifunctional carriers for resistant or relapsed patients or for reducing dose escalation in clinical settings.

Biomedical Applications of Biodegradable Polymers

Utilization of polymers as biomaterials has greatly impacted the advancement of modern medicine. Specifically, polymeric biomaterials that are biodegradable provide the significant advantage of being able to be broken down and removed after they have served their function. Applications are wide ranging with degradable polymers being used clinically as surgical sutures and implants. In order to fit functional demand, materials with desired physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties must be selected. Fortunately, a wide range of natural and synthetic degradable polymers has been investigated for biomedical applications with novel materials constantly being developed to meet new challenges. This review summarizes the most recent advances in the field over the past 4 years, specifically highlighting new and interesting discoveries in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.

Emerging trend in nano-engineered polyelectrolyte-based surrogate carriers for delivery of bioactives

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

In recent decades a new colloidal drug delivery system based on layer-by-layer (LbL) technology has emerged, which offers promising means of delivering bioactive agents, specifically biological macromolecules including peptides and DNA. Nano-engineered capsules specifically fabricated from biocompatible and biodegradable polyelectrolytes (PEs) can provide a better option for encapsulation of cells thereby protecting cells from immunological molecules in the body, and their selective permeability can ensure the survival of encapsulated cells.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

This review encompasses a strategic approach to fabricate nano-engineered microcapsules through meticulous selection of polyelectrolytes and core materials based on LbL technology. The content of the article provides evidence for its wide array of applications in medical therapeutics, as indicated by the quantity of research and patents in this area. Recent developments and approaches for tuning drug release, biocompatibility and cellular interaction are discussed thoroughly.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

This review aims to provide an overview on the development of LbL capsules with specific orientation towards drug and macromolecular delivery and its integration with other drug delivery systems, such as liposomes.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Selection of PEs for the fabrication of LbL microcapsules has a profound effect on stability, drug release, biocompatibility and encapsulation efficacy. The release can be easily modulated by varying different physicochemical as well as physiological conditions. Scale-up approaches for the fabrication of LbL microcapsules by means of automation must be considered to improve the possibility of application of LbL microcapsules on a large scale.

Disintegration-controllable stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules via covalent layer-by-layer assembly

The disintegration-controllable stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules have been fabricated via the covalent layer-by-layer assembly between the amino groups of chitosan (CS) and the aldehyde groups of the oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) onto the sacrificial templates (polystyrene sulfonate, PSS) which was removed by dialysis subsequently. The covalent crosslinking bonds of the multilayer microcapsules were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The TEM analysis showed that the diameter of the multilayer microcapsules was <200nm. The diameter of the multilayer microcapsules decreased with the increasing of the pH values or the ionic strength. The pH and ionic strength dual-responsive multilayer microcapsules were stable in acidic and neutral media while they could disintegrate only at strong basic media.

Evaluation of polyanion-coated biodegradable polymeric micelles as drug delivery vehicles

Polymeric micelles, as drug delivery vehicles, must achieve specific targeting and high stability in the body for efficient drug delivery. We recently reported the preparation of polyanion-coated biodegradable polymeric micelles by coating positively charged polymeric micelles consisting of poly(L-lysine)-block-poly(L-lactide) (PLys-b-PLLA) AB diblock copolymers with anionic hyaluronic acid (HA) by polyion complex (PIC) formation. The obtained HA-coated micelles showed significantly higher stability in aqueous solution. In this study, to evaluate the HA-coated polymeric micelles as a drug carrier, model drug release from the micelles and cytotoxicity of the micelles were investigated. The HA-coated micelles showed sustained release of model drugs and low cytotoxicity. It is known that there are receptors for HA on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC). Specific interactions of HA-coated micelles with LSECs and Kupffer cells were investigated and compared with polymeric micelles coated with other polyanionic polysaccharides, i.e., heparin (Hep) and carboxymethyl-dextran (CMDex). Although Hep-coated micelles and CMDex-coated micelles were incorporated into both Kupffer cells and LSECs, HA-coated micelles were taken up only into LSECs. These results suggest HA-coated micelles have potential utility as drug delivery vehicles exhibiting specific accumulation into LSECs.

Stimuli-responsive porous hydrogels at interfaces for molecular filtration, separation, controlled release, and gating in capsules and membranes

A continuously growing area of controlled and tunable transport and separation of biomolecules and drugs has recently attracted attention to the structures which can be referred to as stimuli-responsive porous hydrogel thin films. Because of spatial constraints, swelling/shrinking of the hydrogel films results in closing/opening (or vice versa) of the film's pores. Such responsive systems can be used in the configuration of plane films or capsules. The combination of a low thickness (translating into a low hydrodynamic flow resistance and rapid response) with well-defined size and shape of pores (translating into better control of transport and separation), which can be closed, opened, or tuned by an external signal (allowing a large amplitude of changes in diffusivity of solutes in the thin film and a precise control of the pore size), makes these materials very attractive for a range of applications, such as molecular filtration, separation, drug delivery, sensors, and actuators.

Low-fouling, biofunctionalized, and biodegradable click capsules

We report the synthesis of covalently stabilized hollow capsules from biodegradable materials using a combination of click chemistry and layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. The biodegradable polymers poly(L-lysine) (PLL) and poly(L-glutamic acid) (PGA) were modified with alkyne and azide moieties. Linear film buildup was observed for both materials on planar surfaces and colloidal silica templates. A variation of the assembly conditions, such as an increase in the salt concentration and variations in pH, was shown to increase the individual layer thickness by almost 200%. The biodegradable click capsules were analyzed with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Capsules were uniform in size and had a regular, spherical shape. They were found to be stable between pH 2 and 11 and showed reversible, pH-responsive shrinking/swelling behavior. We also show that covalently stabilized PLL films can be postfunctionalized by depositing a monolayer of heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which provides low-fouling properties and simultaneously enhances specific protein binding. The responsive, biodegradable click films reported herein are promising for a range of applications in the biomedical field.