Controlled heparinase‐catalyzed degradation of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules with heparin as responsive layer

Abstract

This work describes the enzymatic degradation of combined hollow capsules via layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique. They previously showed the build-up and characterization of capsules composed of synthetic [Poly(sodium 4-styrene-sulfonate)/Poly(allylamine hydrochloride)] and biodegradable (Heparin/Chitosan) polyelectrolytes. Biocatalytic response of assembled multilayer capsules provides a more functional and oriented approach in controlled release of encapsulated molecules: in this case multilayer capsule was disassembled by heparinase. Morphological change of individual capsule was assessed with Atomic Force Microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. The sustained release of encapsulated FITC-Dextran model was realized under enzymatic degradation of the capsule shells by heparinase. The release profile of FITC-Dextran indicated the successful control in a concentration-dependent manner, which shows the applicability as smart drug delivery system.

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

“…PEMCs are fabricated by the alternate deposition of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes onto decomposable core templates-resulting in a core-shell complex formation. This is followed by the elimination of the core template, leaving a free-standing polymeric shell or particle i.e., a PEMC [17][18][19]. Not only solid decomposable cores have been used for formation of advanced multilayer structures, but also soft particles such as protein aggregates [20,21] and biological cells [22].…”

“…Alterations in pH, ionic strength, and temperature can lead to liberation of the incorporated drug via changes in multilayer structure and stability. Moreover, depending upon the nature of the system, release and manipulation can be triggered via alternate means i.e., enzymatic degradation [18,94], light [83,95], ultrasound [96,97], or via magnetic field interactions (if magnetic nanoparticles are present [98][99][100]). Typically, a diffusion-limited release mechanism is observed for multilayer systems.…”

Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Capsule (PEMC)-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

“…The main function and expectation from the PEMCs are that the capsules should be able to host and protect, as well as release bioactives when required. The main mechanism of the release occurring in living systems is based on biodegradation [ 197 , 198 ]. If the PEMCs are made of the appropriate biopolymers, able to degrade into small components in the presence of enzymes, the PEMCs will possess a controlled/programmed release of bioactives that can be enhanced or suppressed depending on the concentration of the enzymes present [ 199 ].…”

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

“…Free-standing 3D PEM structures were seen in recent work; biopolymer-based micro-and nano-capsules/gels are popular tools for the encapsulation and targeted delivery of fragile bioactives, including proteins [47], enzymes [48], and small molecules (such as ibuprofen [49], cisplatin [50], and polyphenol [51]). Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules offer targeted delivery as well as a variety of release methods, including enzymatic degradation [52,53], magnetic field interactions [54,55], and ultrasound [56]. They are particularly attractive due to their tunable properties, whether via ionic strength, pH, or temperature, to control release dynamics and permeability [57][58][59][60][61].…”