In recent years, polymer multilayers built by electrostatic self-assembly (LbL) have been frequently used in the fabrication of functional materials. They allow building of supramolecular structures loaded with active compounds which can be delivered to their environment under specific conditions. The growing interest in the building and processing of LbL multilayers, in a wide range of applications, is the result of the simplicity and extraordinary versatility of these films. This chapter reviews the current state and trends in the study of polyelectrolyte assemblies and their applications, mainly those related to drug storage and delivery. These applications are closely correlated to the building process and properties of the films, especially internal structure and mechanical properties. As a consequence it is essential to control the different aspects that can modify the functionality of the films. In addition, for specific applications, different morphological requirements must be considered, which can be easily achieved by the LbL method that allows the fabrication of supramolecular architectures from flat films to capsules with different geometries and sizes These complex objects can be loaded with drug molecules, and can be functionalized to make them sensitive to external stimuli. In this way, it is possible to obtain a controlled delivery of the drug at the desired organs. Moreover, it is possible to use different administration routes. In conclusion, the use of polyelectrolyte multilayers has opened an extraordinary variety of possibilities in the field of manufacturing of drug delivery platforms.
Polyelectrolyte assemblies for drug storage and delivery: multilayers, nanocapsules and multicapsules
2013
Abstract
In recent years, polymer multilayers built by electrostatic self-assembly (LbL) have been frequently used in the fabrication of functional materials. They allow building of supramolecular structures loaded with active compounds which can be delivered to their environment under specific conditions. The growing interest in the building and processing of LbL multilayers, in a wide range of applications, is the result of the simplicity and extraordinary versatility of these films. This chapter reviews the current state and trends in the study of polyelectrolyte assemblies and their applications, mainly those related to drug storage and delivery. These applications are closely correlated to the building process and properties of the films, especially internal structure and mechanical properties. As a consequence it is essential to control the different aspects that can modify the functionality of the films. In addition, for specific applications, different morphological requirements must be considered, which can be easily achieved by the LbL method that allows the fabrication of supramolecular architectures from flat films to capsules with different geometries and sizes These complex objects can be loaded with drug molecules, and can be functionalized to make them sensitive to external stimuli. In this way, it is possible to obtain a controlled delivery of the drug at the desired organs. Moreover, it is possible to use different administration routes. In conclusion, the use of polyelectrolyte multilayers has opened an extraordinary variety of possibilities in the field of manufacturing of drug delivery platforms.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
