(Protamine/dextran sulfate)6 microcapules templated on biocompatible calcium carbonate microspheres

Poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) was used to synthesize biocompatible inorganic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microspheres. The influence of different functional group unit molar ratios of [PSS]/[Ca2+] I to the morphology and crystal phases of CaCO3 microspheres was Studied by high scan electrode microscope (HSEM) and X-ray diffraction. These synthesized microspheres were used as the template of microcapsules. Protamine (PRM) and dextran sulfate (DXS) were self-assembled on the surface of the obtained microshperes alternatively for six layers. After the CaCO3 was dissolved the microcapsules were obtained, which were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and TGA. This kind of biocompatible microcapsules could be used as micro-containers to load drugs and micro-reactors to perform chemical reactions. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.