Release behavior of active material from poly(vinyl amine)/polyelectrolyte composite hollow particles

Polyvinyl amine (PVAm) hydrogel hollow particles treated by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly methods were fabricated. The structures of the prepared particles were confirmed through zeta-potential measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the loading amount and release rate of Chromotrope 2R (CR) from the prepared particles in each deposition step was investigated. The loading amount had an alternating tendency according to an increase in the layer number. When the outermost layer consisted of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), CR permeation was prevented by ionic repulsion between the PSS and CR. On the other hand, CR easily permeated into the particles when the outermost layer was poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA). The release rate was then changed by ionic interaction between the CR and the cationic polyelectrolyte and by the ionic repulsive force between the CR and the anionic polyelectrolyte. These results indicate that PVAm hydrogel hollow particles treated by the LbL method could potentially be used in the controlled release of water-soluble materials.