Coacervation in polyzwitterion-polyelectrolyte systems and their potential applications for gastrointestinal drug delivery platforms
Abstract
Traditionally, complex coacervation is regarded as a process whereby two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes self-assemble into spherical droplets. Here, we introduce the polyzwitterionic complex, “pZC”, formed by the liquid-liquid phase separation of a polyzwitterion and a polyelectrolyte, and elucidate a mechanism by which such complexes can assemble using theory and experimental evidence. This system exhibits orthogonal phase behavior-it remains intact in acidic conditions, but disassembles as the pH increases, a process governed by the acid-base equilibria of the constituent chains. We relate the observed phase behavior to physiological conditions within the gastrointestinal tract with a simulation of the gastroduodenal junction, and demonstrate using video microscopy the viability of polyzwitterionic coacervates as technologies for the pH-triggered release of cargo. Such a system is envisaged to tackle imminent problems of drug transport via the oral route and serve as a packaging solution to increase uptake efficiency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2022
- Source ID
- 10.1038/s41467-022-29851-y
Entities
People
- Khatcher O. Margossian
- Marcel U. Brown
- Murugappan Muthukumar
- Todd Emrick
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Division of Materials Research
- National Science Foundation