(PAH/PSS)5 microcapsules templated on silica core: Encapsulation of anticancer drug DOX and controlled release study

Hollow polyelectrolyte microcapsules with size around 200 nm, made of sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), templated on SiO2 latexes, have been prepared by layer-by-layer (LbL) adsorption technique. The SiO2 cores were decomposed in HF at pH < l or in NaOH at pH > 11. The anticancer drug dexorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was loaded into these microcapsules. The maximum loading of DOX was achieved under conditions of low pH value and salt adding. We also found that by manipulating the pH value and salt concentration of the release solution, it was possible to control the releasing rate of the anticancer drug.