Engineering enzyme-cleavable hybrid click capsules with a pH-sheddable coating for intracellular degradation

Small. 2014 Oct 29;10(20):4080-6. doi: 10.1002/smll.201400450. Epub 2014 Jul 10.

Abstract

The engineering of layer-by-layer (LbL) hybrid click capsules that are responsive to biological stimuli is reported. The capsules comprise a pH-sheddable, non cross-linked outer coating that protects enzyme-cleavable inner layers. Upon cellular uptake, the outer coating is released and the capsules are enzymatically degraded. In vitro cell degradation results in rapid capsule degradation (10 min) upon cellular internalization.

Keywords: click chemistry; enzyme-responsive; layer-by-layer (LbL); nanotechnology; polymer capsules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Capsules*
  • Click Chemistry
  • Enzymes / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Polymers / chemistry

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Enzymes
  • Polymers