Disulfide-stabilized poly(methacrylic acid) capsules: Formation, cross-linking, and degradation behavior

Abstract

We report the preparation of monodisperse, single-component degradable polymer capsules for potential applications in encapsulation, catalysis, and controlled drug delivery. The synthesized capsules, composed entirely of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA), are obtained by the sequential deposition of thiolated poly(methacrylic acid) (PMASH) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPON) onto silica particles, controlled oxidation of thiol groups into bridging disulfide linkages in the PMASH, removal of the silica particles, and finally, release of PVPON by altering the solution pH to disrupt hydrogen bonding between PMASH and PVPON. The PMA capsules are held together solely through biodegradable disulfide lin..