Polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) are promising nanocarriers for various encapsulation and delivery applications. In this study, crosslinked polymeric NCs were prepared through layer-by-layer (LBL) alternating coating of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes using crystallized miniemulsion nanodroplets as the sacrificial templates (Figure 1). Such templates were obtained from the miniemulsions using acrylate-functionalized cationic surfactants, with<i>n</i>-docosane as the oil phase and water as the continuous phase. Surface of these crystallized nanodroplets was covalently stabilized in order to enhance their colloidal stability. Subsequently, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), as representative anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes, were LBL coated on crystallized core nanodroplets to give nanostructures with polyelectrolyte shells. Well-defined crosslinked NCs were obtained by crosslinking of the PAA/PAH-based shells using amidation chemistry, followed by the removal of crystallized <i>n</i>-docosane cores through dialysis against tetrahydrofuran (THF). The NCs were characterized by a variety of instrumental analysis techniques. Chemical crosslinking was found to be critical for maintaining structural stability of NCs upon the change of environmental conditions. Encapsulation and release using these NCs as nanocarriers were also studied.

Template synthesis of polyelectrolyte multilayer nanocapsules via layer-by-layer deposition on crystallized miniemulsion nanodroplets

2019 Spring National Meeting

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