Microgel-Based Stimuli-Responsive Capsules

In this paper, a preparation of stimuli-responsive capsules based on aqueous microgels is described. Microgel particles act as stabilizers for oil-in-water emulsion and organize themselves on the surface of chloroform droplets containing the biodegradable polymer poly(4-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). After chloroform evaporation, composite capsules consisting of microgels acting as sensitive building blocks, the capsules respond to different stimuli (temperature, solvent concentration). Preliminary results indicate that the capsule dimensions and morphology can be tuned by microgel and PHBV concentration in water and choloroform, respectively.