Preparation and Characterization of Multilayer Microcapsules using Biocompatible Polymers

The aim of this work is the fabrication of polyelectrolyte microcapsules composed of biocompatible polymers such as chitosan, heparin and alginate, to encapsulate the fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-albumin, and to investigate the protein release behavior therefrom. Polyelectrolyte capsules with 4-layer structures could be prepared with biocompatible materials by oppositely charged adsorption using melamin-foramide as a template. Transmission electron microscope(TEM), scanning electron microscope(SEM) and optical microscope confirmed hollow capsule structures. Protein release before and after encapsulation was monitored with a UV-Vis spectrometer. Microcapsules have different behaviors depending on the kind of polyelectrolyte polymers, chitosan-heparin capsules or chitosan-alginate capsules. In conclusion, the polyelectrolyte multilayer shells can be switched between an open and closed state by means of tuning the pH value.