Soluble microcapsules assembled stepwise from weak polyelectrolytes using acid-decomposable cores

Decomposable microcapsules with tunable permeability, loading, and release properties-with potential applications as chemical reservoirs and for controlled drug release-have been fabricated by assembly of weak polyelectrolytes on melamine formaldehyde templates followed by removal of the cores at low pH by precise control of the time of acid treatme The Figure shows capsules before (left) and after (right) treatment with 0.1 M HCl.