Design of double stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte microcontainers for protein soft encapsulation

Biomacromolecules. 2010 Mar 8;11(3):806-14. doi: 10.1021/bm901429q.

Abstract

We have designed new double stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte microcapsules to be useable under physiological conditions to handle biomacromolecules while avoiding the risk of denaturation. They are made of poly(4-vinylpyridine hydrochloride) (PVP) and poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (PSS). The microcontainers are sensitive to temperature variation, as they irreversibly shrink under heating. In addition, the capsules reversibly swell at pH > 6, making it possible to encapsulate human serum proteins by diffusion through the polymer membrane. Encapsulation efficiency is quantified by fluorescence techniques.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Proteins / chemistry*
  • Electrolytes / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Electrolytes