Responsive polyelectrolyte multilayers

In this review we present selected recent developments of responsive multilayers formed by layer-by-layer assembly of oppositely charged polymers, with particular emphasis on the preparation of temperature- and pH-sensitive systems. We discuss the influence of the architecture and of the nature of the polyelectrolytes used on the responsive behavior of the films. Different strategies based on polyelectrolyte shells or films incorporating stimuli-responsive polyelectrolytes are reviewed as well as the entrapment of stimuli-responsive polymer into hollow capsules. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.