Molecular assembly of biomimetic microcapsules.

Li, Junbai; Möhwald, Helmuth; An, Zhihua; Lu, Gang · Soft Matter · 2005

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Our recent work on the fabrication of microcapsules comprised of human serum albumin (HSA) and -α-dimyristoylphosphatitic acid (DMPA) by means of stepwise adsorption of HSA and DMPA on fluid droplet surfaces or charged colloids and subsequent dissolution of the cores is reviewed. The lipid self-assembles as a bilayer on the protein surface and the completed microcapsule serves as a biomimetic membrane model. The DMPA/HSA microcapsules have good biocompatibility and the potential for the insertion of recognition units in the lipid bilayers. The structure and properties of the lipid/protein microcapsules are described and their potential for applications in sustained drug release are introduced.