Borax mediated layer-by-layer self-assembly of neutral poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan.

We report a multilayer film of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-borate complex and chitosan by using a layer-by-layer approach. PVA is an uncharged polymer, but hydroxyl functional groups of PVA can be cross-linked by using borax as a cross-linking agent. As a result electrostatic charges and intra- and interchain cross-links are introduced in the PVA chain and provide physically cross-linked networks. The PVA-borate was then deposited on a flat substrate as well as on colloidal particles with chitosan as an oppositely charged polyelectrolyte. Quartz crystal microbalance, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to follow the growth of thin film on flat substrate. Analogous experiments were performed on melamine formaldehyde colloidal particles (3-3.5 microm) to quantify the process for the preparation of hollow microcapsules. Removal of the core in 0.1 N HCl results in hollow microcapsules. Characterization of microcapsules by transmission electron microscopy revealed formation of stable microcapsules. Further, self-assembly of PVA-borate/chitosan was loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin, and release rates were determined at different pH values to highlight the drug delivery potential of this system.