Modification of the polyelectrolyte capsule shell by nanodiamonds for remote microwave opening

Abstract

Nanodiamonds (ND) are one of the most attractive carbon materials for nanotechnology. The impregnation of NDs into the polymer capsule shell in the form of the single nanoparticles insures the control over the thermal conductivity of the capsule shell and increases their sensitivity to the external microwave irradiation. The polymer shell of the polyelectrolyte capsules was modified with NDs by electrostatic adsorption technique. The sensitivity of the capsules with embedded NDs to the external microwave irradiation was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy leading to the shell rupture and release of the encapsulated agents.