Endocytic pH-triggered degradation of nanoengineered multilayer capsules.

Liang, Kang; Such, Georgina K; Johnston, Angus P R; Zhu, Zhiyuan; Ejima, Hirotaka; Richardson, Joseph J; Cui, Jiwei; Caruso, Frank · Adv Mater · 2014

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The synthesis of cross-linker free layer-by-layer (LbL) capsules that solely utilize cellular pH variations as a trigger to specifically deconstruct and subsequently release cargo in cells is reported. These capsules demonstrate retention of water-soluble therapeutic molecules as small as 500 Da at extracellular pH. Triggered capsule degradation and release of cargo is observed within 30 min of cell uptake.

Medical subject headings