Hybrid Polyelectrolyte Research Articles

Delivery system for dexamethasone phosphate based on a Zn2+-crosslinked polyelectrolyte complex of diethylaminoethyl chitosan and chondroitin sulfate

Hybrid nano- and microparticles based on metal ion crosslinked biopolymers are promising carriers for the development of drug delivery systems with improved biopharmaceutical properties. In this work, dexamethasone phosphate-containing particles based on chondroitin sulfate and chitosan or diethylaminoethyl chitosan additionally crosslinked with Zn2+ were prepared. Depending on the polycation/polyanion ratio in the system, anionic and cationic polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were obtained. The anionic Zn2+-containing and Zn2+-free PECs had sizes of 154 and 180 nm and ζ-potentials of −22.4 and −27.5 mV, respectively. The cationic Zn2+-containing and Zn2+-free PECs had sizes of 242 and 362 nm and ζ-potentials of 22.4 and 24.7 mV, respectively. The presence of Zn2+ in the system significantly prolonged the release of dexamethasone phosphate from the hybrid polyelectrolyte particle. The resulting release profiles of dexamethasone phosphate were in agreement with the Peppas-Sahlin kinetic model, which considers the combined effects of Fickian diffusion and polymer chain relaxation on the drug release rate. It was shown that the prolongation of drug release was mainly due to swelling and relaxation of the Zn2+ crosslinked polymers. The developed particles exhibited good mucoadhesive properties and pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, making them attractive candidates for biomedical applications.

Ambipolar Charge Injection and Bright Light Emission in Hybrid Oxide/Polymer Transistors Doped with Poly(9‐Vinylcarbazole) Based Polyelectrolytes

AbstractLight‐emitting transistors (LETs) are a remarkable, emerging class of electronic devices that combine the switching function of field‐effect transistors (FETs) and the light‐emitting function of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). In order to achieve efficient light emission, effective electron and hole injection from source and drain electrodes is necessary. Various strategies have been introduced to accomplish this, such as incorporating asymmetric electrodes or charge injection layers during device fabrication. These approaches have inevitably introduced complexity in the device fabrication process. Herein, light‐emitting electrochemical transistors (LECTs) are demonstrated that combine principles of electrochemistry and optoelectronics to achieve multi‐functionality in a simple device architecture. Hybrid polyelectrolytes, poly(9‐vinylcarbazolesulfonate)‐ lithium and copper (II) salts (PVK‐Li and PVK‐Cu) incorporating Li+ ion and Cu2+ ions are added at variable concentrations to the organic emitting layer of LECTs to effect electrochemical p‐type doping. This electrochemical doping approach yielded improvements in electrical and optical performances including mobilities, brightnesses, and external quantum efficiency of the LECTs. The dynamics of how charges including ions, electrons, and holes move and interact are discussed in the device to facilitate emissive charge carrier recombination and light emission. This investigation provides valuable insights into the realms of both electrochemistry and optoelectronics.

Hybrid Polyelectrolyte Capsules Loaded with Gadolinium-Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles as a Biocompatible MRI Agent for Theranostic Applications.

Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled polyelectrolyte capsules have demonstrated their unique advantages and capability in drug delivery applications. These ordered micro/nanostructures are also promising candidates as imaging contrast agents for diagnostic and theranostic applications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), one of the most powerful clinical imaging modalities, is moving forward to the molecular imaging field and requires advanced imaging probes. This paper reports on a new design of MRI-visible LbL capsules, loaded with redox-active gadolinium-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeGdO2-x NPs). CeGdO2-x NPs possess an ultrasmall size, high colloidal stability, and pronounced antioxidant properties. A comprehensive analysis of LbL capsules by TEM, SEM, LCSM, and EDX techniques was carried out. The research demonstrated a high level of biocompatibility and cellular uptake efficiency of CeGdO2-x-loaded capsules by cancer (human osteosarcoma and adenocarcinoma) cells and normal (human mesenchymal stem) cells. The LbL-based delivery platform can also be used for other imaging modalities and theranostic applications.

Improved Hole Injection in Hybrid Light‐Emitting Transistors Incorporating Lithium and Copper(II) Poly(Styrene Sulfonate)

AbstractLight‐emitting transistors (LETs) are optoelectronic devices that perform switching and light‐emitting functions in a single device. Hybrid LETS (HLETs) using inorganic metal oxide semiconductors as the transport layer with organic emissive layers and hole‐injection layers (HILs) combine the excellent switching performance of metal oxides with the flexibility and tunability of organic semiconductors. However, the efficiency of n‐HLETs typically suffers from unbalanced electron and hole injection. To overcome this issue, two hybrid polyelectrolytes—lithium poly(styrene sulfonate) (Li:PSS) and copper(II) poly(styrene sulfonate) (Cu:PSS)—are investigated as HILs in HLETs. HLETs employing Cu:PSS interlayers exhibit significantly enhanced brightness values of up to 4.89 × 103 cd m−2 and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.45%, compared to HLETs without HIL (no emission) and pristine poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) (2.17 × 102 cd m−2 with an EQE of 0.01%). To understand how the HILs influence the performance, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) analysis and photoluminescence (PL) quenching studies are performed, which reveal improved energy band structure and reduced quenching using metal:PSS HILs. This work provides useful information about the function that polyelectrolyte HILs perform in HLET devices which may be exploited to develop new materials and applied in other types of optoelectronic devices.

Novel sulfonated poly (vinyl alcohol)/carboxy methyl cellulose/acrylamide-based hybrid polyelectrolyte membranes

Novel polyelectrolytic hybrid membranes are prepared by blending carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-acrylamide (AA). Succinic acid and chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) are employed as crosslinkers and modifiers, respectively. Additionally, carboxylated carbon nanotube (CCNT) and sulfonated activated carbon (SAC) as fillers are used to attain appropriate chemical and mechanical stability for use as polyelectrolyte membranes (PEM). CMC, PVA, and AA are mixed and treated with CSA, CCNT, and SAC in different concentrations. First, CMC/PVA/AA solution is modified using CSA to produce a sulfonated polymeric matrix. Second, a different amount of CCNT or SAC was added as a filler to enhance the ion exchange capacity (IEC), ionic conductivity, and chemical stability. Third, the solution is cast as polyelectrolytic membranes. Chemical interactions between CMC, PVA, AA and other membrane components were confirmed using various characterization techniques such as Raman scattering spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Furthermore, mechanical strength, methanol uptake, gel fraction, ion exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity (PC), chemical and thermal stability were determined as functions of varied membrane modification components. Results reveal that the increase of CSA, CCNT and SAC is leading to increase the IEC values reaching 1.54 mmol/g for (CMC/PVA-4% CSA), 1.74 mmol/g for (CMC/PVA-4%CSA-2%CCNT) and 2.31 mmol/g for (CMC/PVA-4% CSA-2% SAC) comparing to 0.11 mmol/g for non-modified CMC/PVA/AA membrane. Sequentially, the proton conductivity value is changed from 1 × 10–3 S/cm in non-modified CMC/PVA/AA membrane to 0.082 S/cm for (CMC/PVA-4% CSA), 0.0984 S/cm for (CMC/PVA-4%CSA-2%CCNT) and 0.1050 S/cm for (CMC/PVA-4% CSA-2% SAC). Such results enhance the potential feasibility of modified CMC/PVA/AA hybrid as polyelectrolytic membranes.

Microwave-initiated modification of polyamide 6.6 fabric surfaces for superior hydrophilic and flame retardant properties

Microwave-assisted surface modification of polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) fabrics was carried out in a grafting polymerization technique in the presence of acrylic acid (AA) monomer with an aim to enhance the extent of surface functional groups onto the PA6.6 fabric surfaces. In the next step, the surface modified fabric substrate was gone through a layer by layer (LbL) deposition process in the presence of some hybrid (organic/inorganic) polyelectrolytes in imparting hydrophylic and flame retardant properties and finally, the as prepared coating was subjected to a cross-linking treatment aided by hypo-phosphorus acid (HP) in enhancing the stability of the same. From the obtained results, it was revealed that the simultaneous microwave assisted grafting, LbL deposition and HP cross-linking left positive impacts in improving the flame retardant performance and hydrophilicity of PA6.6 fabrics along with the enhancement of coating stability in laundering. For example, acrylic acid grafted PA6.6 fabric sample with a 5-BL deposition and cross-linked with HP (i.e., PA6.6-g-AA-5BL-HP) attained a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value up to 23.5%, while exhibiting a significant level of reduction in the peak heat release rate (pHRR) by ca. 50 %. In line, a super-hydrophilic surface was obtained for this fabric sample as the water contact angle value declined to 0º. Furthermore, such kind of surface modification displayed a considerable level of coating stability during laundering as the anti-dripping properties still exist even after 10 home launderings.

Hybrid Polyelectrolyte Nanocomplexes for Non-Viral Gene Delivery with Favorable Efficacy and Safety Profile.

The development of nanovectors for precise gene therapy is increasingly focusing on avoiding uncontrolled inflammation while still being able to effectively act on the target sites. Herein, we explore the use of non-viral hybrid polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes (hPECs) for gene delivery, which display good transfection efficacy coupled with non-inflammatory properties. Monodisperse hPECs were produced through a layer-by-layer self-assembling of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. The resulting nanocomplexes had an inner core characterized by an EGFP-encoding plasmid DNA (pDNA) complexed with linear polyethyleneimine or protamine (PEI or PRM) stabilized with lecithin and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and an outer layer consisting of medium-molecular-weight chitosan (CH) combined with tripolyphosphate (TPP). PEI- and PRM-hPECs were able to efficiently protect the genetic cargo from nucleases and to perform a stimuli-responsive release of pDNA overtime, thus guaranteeing optimal transfection efficiency. Importantly, hPECs revealed a highly cytocompatible and a non-inflammatory profile in vitro. These results were further supported by evidence of the weak and unspecific interactions of serum proteins with both hPECs, thus confirming the antifouling properties of their outer shell. Therefore, these hPECs represent promising candidates for the development of effective, safe nanotools for gene delivery.

Spontaneous water-on-water spreading of polyelectrolyte membranes inspired by skin formation

Stable interfaces between immiscible solvents are crucial for chemical synthesis and assembly, but interfaces between miscible solvents have been less explored. Here the authors report the spontaneous water-on-water spreading and self-assembly of polyelectrolyte membranes. An aqueous mixture solution containing poly(ethyleneimine) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) spreads efficiently on acidic water, leading to the formation of hierarchically porous membranes. The reduced surface tension of the polyelectrolyte mixture solution drives the surface spreading, while the interfacial polyelectrolytes complexation triggered by the low pH of water mitigates water-in-water mixing. The synergy of surface tension and pH-dependent complexation represents a generic mechanism governing interfaces between miscible solvents for materials engineering, without the need for surfactants or sophisticated equipment. As a proof-of-concept, porous polyelectrolyte hybrid membranes are prepared by surface spreading, exhibiting exceptional solar thermal evaporation performance (2.8 kg/m2h) under 1-sun irradiation.

Universal Microcarriers Based on Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Co-Delivery of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Compounds.

Several variants of hybrid polyelectrolyte microcapsules (hPEMC) were designed and produced by modifying in situ gelation methods and layer-by-layer (LbL) techniques. All of the hPEMC designs tested in the study demonstrated high efficiency of the model hydrophilic compound loading into the carrier cavity. In addition, the microcarriers were characterized by high efficiency of incorporating the model hydrophobic compound rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC) into the hydrophobic layer consisting of poly-(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), oligo-(l)-lactide (OLL), oligo-(d)-lactide (OLD) and chitosan/gelatin/poly-l-lactide copolymer (CGP). The obtained microcapsules exhibited high storage stability regardless of the composition and thickness of the polyelectrolyte shell. Study of the impact of hybrid polyelectrolyte microcapsules on viability of the adhesive L929 and suspension HL-60 cell lines revealed no apparent toxic effects of hPEMC of different architecture on live cells. Interaction of hPEMC with peritoneal macrophages for the course of 48 h resulted in partial deformation and degradation of microcapsules accompanied by release of the content of their hydrophilic (BSA–fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (BSA-FITC)) and hydrophobic (RBITC) layer. Our results demonstrate the functional efficiency of novel hybrid microcarriers and their potential for joint delivery of drugs with different physico-chemical properties in complex therapy.

Nanoparticle-Doped Hybrid Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules with Controlled Photoluminescence for Potential Bioimaging Applications.

Fluorescent imaging is widely used in the diagnosis and tracking of the distribution, interaction, and transformation processes at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. To be detectable, delivery systems should exhibit a strong and bright fluorescence. Quantum dots (QDs) are highly photostable fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals with wide absorption spectra and narrow, size-tunable emission spectra, which make them suitable fluorescent nanolabels to be embedded into microparticles used as bioimaging and theranostic agents. The layer-by-layer deposition approach allows the entrapping of QDs, resulting in bright fluorescent microcapsules with tunable surface charge, size, rigidity, and functional properties. Here, we report on the engineering and validation of the structural and photoluminescent characteristics of nanoparticle-doped hybrid microcapsules assembled by the deposition of alternating oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, water-soluble PEGylated core/shell QDs with a cadmium selenide core and a zinc sulfide shell (CdSe/ZnS), and carboxylated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) onto calcium carbonate microtemplates. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the layer-by-layer approach to designing QD-, MNP-doped microcapsules with controlled photoluminescence properties, and pave the way for the further development of next-generation bioimaging agents based on hybrid materials for continuous fluorescence imaging.

Visualization of Two-dimensional Single Chains of Hybrid Polyelectrolytes on Solid Surface

The polyacidic character of polyoxometalate (POM) clusters endows high ionic conductivity, making these clusters good candidates for solar and fuel cells. Covalent bonding of clusters to polymer chains creates poly(POM)s that are polyelectrolytes with both cluster functions and polymer performance. Thus, solution-processable poly(POM)s are expected to be used as key materials in advanced devices. Further understanding of poly(POM)s will optimize the preparation process and improve device performance. Herein, we report a study of the first linear poly(POM)s by directly visualizing the chains using scanning transmission electron microscopy. Compared with traditional polymers, individual clusters of poly(POM)s can be directly visualized because of the resistance to electron-beam damage and the high contrast of the tungsten POM pendants. Thus, cluster aggregates with diverse shapes were observed. Counting the number of clusters in the aggregates allowed the degree of polymerization and molecular weight distribution to be determined, and studying the aggregate shapes revealed the presence of a curved semirigid chain in solution. Further study of shape diversity revealed that strong interactions between clusters determine the diverse chain shapes formed during solution processing. Fundamental insight is critical to understanding the formation of poly(POM) films from solutions as key functional materials, especially for fuel and solar cells.

Hybrid Lead-Halide Polyelectrolytes as Interfacial Electron Extraction Layers in Inverted Organic Solar Cells.

A series of lead-halide based hybrid polyelectrolytes was prepared and used as interfacial layers in organic solar cells (OSCs) to explore their effect on the energy band structures and performance of OSCs. Nonconjugated polyelectrolytes based on ethoxylated polyethylenimine (PEIE) complexed with PbX2 (I, Br, and Cl) were prepared as polymeric analogs of the perovskite semiconductors CH3NH3PbX3. The organic/inorganic hybrid composites were deposited onto Indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates by solution processing, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) measurements confirmed that the polyelectrolytes allowed the work function of the substrates to be controlled. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed that Pb(II) halide complexes were present in the thin film and that the Pb halide species did not bond covalently with the cationic polymer and confirmed the absence of additional chemical bonds. The composite ratio of organic and inorganic materials was optimized to improve the performance of OSCs. When PbBr2 was complexed with the PEIE material, the efficiency increased up to 3.567% via improvements in open circuit voltage and fill factor from the control device (0.3%). These results demonstrate that lead-halide based polyelectrolytes constitute hybrid interfacial layers which provide a novel route to control device characteristics via variation of the lead halide composition.

An anionic polyelectrolyte hybrid for wood-polyethylene composites with high strength and fire safety via self-assembly

Wood-plastic composite (WPC), as a renewable and sustainable material, has received wide attention, but its inherent flammability greatly limits its broad application in residential construction and so on. In this work, an anionic polyelectrolyte hybrid (APP-CNC) was built and applied to derive simultaneously flame-retardancy-improved and mechanically strengthened WPC. It was constructed with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) by self-assembly with ionic and hydrogen bonding. The physical crosslinking network between APP-CNC hybrid enabled the whole materials possess both high load capacity and good deformation capacity synchronously. According to the digital image correlation (DIC), the strain transferred uniformly from HDPE molecular to wood fibers via the physical crosslinking network based on hydrogen bonding, and hence an increased high deformation region occurred and distributed uniformly in WPC/APP-CNC. Compared with neat WPC, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of WPC/APP-9 wt%CNC increased by 42.69% and 75.90%, respectively. During pyrolysis, CNC promoted hybrid to pyrolyze ahead (T5% of 298 °C) and provided a carbon skeleton for char forming. Meanwhile, physical crosslinking network further caused a more compact char residue with a higher graphitization during combustion of WPC. For WPC/APP-9 wt%CNC, it had a significant decrease in average heat release and total heat release of 62.6%, and 23.8% respectively, compared with those of neat WPC. This work indicated that polyelectrolyte hybrid had a potential application prospect in preparation of high-performance, high-function and high-value-added WPC.

Chromophore amphiphile–polyelectrolyte hybrid hydrogels for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Incorporating supramolecular assemblies of chromophore amphiphiles into covalent hydrogels creates a reusable, robust host for photocatalysis.

Controlling the Activation Energy for Single-Ion Diffusion through a Hybrid Polyelectrolyte Matrix by Manipulating the Central Coordinate Semimetal Atom.

The diffusion of lithium ions decoupled from a solid polymer electrolyte matrix is the key for high-energy electrochemical devices with the safety needed for commercial use. This Letter reports how the ion mobility in a single-phase hybrid polyelectrolyte (SPHP) matrix can be tuned by changing an inorganic coordinating atom from silicon (Si) to germanium (Ge). Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) results show that the lithium ion activation barrier in the polyelectrolyte with Si can be modulated from 0.26 eV to the unprecedented value of 0.12 eV in the polyelectrolyte with Ge. Density functional theory is used to show that the electronic structures of both polymers are very different, although their chemical structures are very similar, except for the coordinating atom. This simple chemical substitution route will certainly increase the interest in these polymers for applications in electrochemical devices.

Study of electrochromic characteristics in the near-infrared region of electrochromic devices based on solution-processed amorphous WO3 films

In this paper, tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films and hybrid polyelectrolyte have been synthesized by solution-based processes to form solid-state electrochromic devices (ECDs). Electrochromic properties of the ECDs have been investigated, focusing on the near-infrared (NIR) region of the light spectrum. By optimizing the applied impulse voltage and WO3 film thickness, a coloration efficiency of 78.8 cm2/C has been achieved in the ECD under the impulse voltage of ± 2.5 V. In addition, at the same voltage, the response time of 2.5 s and 15.8 s was obtained for bleaching and coloring, respectively. The fast switching between colored and bleached states is due to the porous structure of solution-processed WO3 films that facilitates injection/release of Li ions. Stable current-time profiles have been obtained during cyclic measurements with alternating impulse voltages within 6 × 103 s, indicating excellent reversibility in the ECDs. The solid-state ECDs based on WO3 films are promising to be used in applications requiring NIR-related optical modulation such as smart windows.

Self-Healing, antibacterial and sensing nanoparticle coating and its excellent optical applications

Self-healing, antibacterial and metal-ion sensing coatings with nanoparticles were developed using layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique via host-guest interaction. The coatings consist of MoS2 nanosheets, beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-modified poly (ethylenimine) (PEI) and adamantane (AD)-modified poly (acrylic acid) (PAA). Damages to conventional coatings results in cracking and affects the coatings’ ability to maintain antibacterial and sensing qualities. The prepared MoS2/β-CD-PEI/AD-PAA self-healing coatings are not only able to greatly suppress bacterial adhesion and have excellent antibacterial property, particularly under UV light irradiation, but also have a longtime service time. Moreover, the self-healing coatings first applied the fluorescence quenching for detecting heavy metals (Co2+). Fluorescence spectra demonstrated that a linear relationship existed between the fluorescence intensity and the Co2+ concentration with 0∼0.1 ug/mL and the detection limit of Co2+ is 0.018mg/mL. Therefore, the nanoparticle multilayer polyelectrolyte hybrid coatings have a potential application in food industries.

Facile fabrication and characterization of polyimide nanofiber reinforced photocured hybrid electrolyte for Li‐ion batteries

In this study, a novel ion conductive polyimide (PI) nanofiber reinforced photocured hybrid electrolyte has been fabricated. Polyimide fibers were fabricated with the reaction between 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) and 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) followed by electrospinning and thermal imidization methods. Then, PI electrospun fibers were dipped into hybrid resin formulation containing bisphenol A ethoxylate dimethacrylate (BEMA), poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and 3‐(methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (MEMO) and then photocured to prepare PI nanofiber reinforced electrolyte membrane. Photocured membranes were soaked into lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) before measuring electrochemical stability and ionic conductivity of hybrid polyelectrolyte. The chemical structure and electrochemical performance of the electrolytes were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The incorporation of MEMO into organic matrix effectively increased the modulus from 2.83 to 5.91 MPa. The obtained results showed that a suitable electrolyte for Li‐ion batteries with high lithium uptake ratio, high conductivity (7.2 × 10−3 S cm−1) at ambient temperature and wide stability window above 5.5 V had been prepared. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A comparison of corn fiber gum, hydrophobically modified starch, gum arabic and soybean soluble polysaccharide: Interfacial dynamics, viscoelastic response at oil/water interfaces and emulsion stabilization mechanisms

The interfacial rheology of polysaccharide adsorption layers of corn fiber gum (CFG), octenyl succinate anhydride-modified starch (OSA-s), gum arabic (GA) and soybean soluble polysaccharides (SSPS) at the oil/water interface and their emulsifying properties in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were compared. All four amphiphilic polymers contain different amounts of protein and they are of high molecular weight with highly branched structure. Based on the obtained interfacial shear rheological information such as a number of influence factor dependence (time, concentration, temperature, strain dependency) of interfacial dynamic moduli, creep or relaxation response, and steady/dynamic flow behavior of the interfacial layers, we found pronounced differences in the viscoelastic response of the four hybrid polyelectrolytes in shear flow. The adsorbed film of CFG is unique because it exhibits a predominantly viscous showing an apparently increasing storage modulus throughout the whole test without a saturated value whereas OSA-s produces a pure viscous layer at interface with a very low viscosity and quick forming kinetics; in contrast, both GA and SSPS form more rigid, solid–like layers. Models to describe the distinct interfacial dynamics and stabilizing mechanism of the four emulsifiers involving steric repulsion and electrostatic repulsion are proposed. Emulsifying properties of the four polymers are evaluated in terms of the emulsion physical properties, droplet-size distribution and optical microscopy observation. The effect of concentration and storage temperature on the interfacial viscoelastic response and the corresponding emulsion stability of each biopolymer are also compared.

Polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles from cationised gelatin and sodium alginate for curcumin delivery

Self assembled hybrid polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles are prepared from cationically modified gelatin and sodium alginate (Alg) by electrostatic complexation between the polymers. Cationised gelatin (CG) is prepared by the reaction of gelatin with ethylenediamine. Structural changes in gelatin, after modification with ethylenediamine are investigated by XRD and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Hybrid polyelectrolyte nanoparticles, labeled CG/Alg, are prepared by simple mixing of CG and Alg. CG/Alg complex shows spherical morphology as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. These polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles can be used for the encapsulation and delivery of natural antioxidant curcumin to carcinoma cells. CG/Alg nanoparticles show curcumin encapsulation efficiency of 69% and exhibit sustained release of curcumin in vitro. Anticancer activity of curcumin loaded CG/Alg nanoparticles towards MCF-7 cells is disclosed by MTT assay. Intracellular uptake of the drug encapsulated nanoparticles is confirmed by fluorescent imaging.