Polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules templated on spherical, elliptical and square calcium carbonate particles

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed that a variety of shaped particles can interact with cells in a different way. Elongated particles can be effectively and quickly internalized intercellularly compared with other configurations. Herein we present the potential of fabrication of anisotropic polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules formed by coating spherical, ellipsoid-like and square calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) particles. By varying the intermixing speed, time, pH value and ratio of initial ingredients during precipitation such CaCO₃ templates are produced. Particles loaded with FITC–dextran and coated with polyelectrolytes could maintain the templated shape after core removal. Quantitative data are derived from analysis of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements.