Layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte coated erythrocyte carriers

• Main Author: Heng, Puay Ling.
• Other Authors: Subramanian Venkatraman
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Biomaterials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/44159
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report shows the need to improve the process due to the increased interest in using carrier erythrocytes as drug delivery system. The erythrocytes coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer provide a simple mean for controlling the burst and subsequent release of bioactive agents. This work aims to improve the efficiency of the process of encapsulating model substance (FITC – dextran) into the carrier erythrocyte and depositing oppositely charged polyelectrolyte (PEs) onto the erythrocyte via layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition method. The results from the Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) verified that the improved method which placed erythrocytes directly under hypotonic dilution to allow loading of FITC – dextran into the erythrocytes is feasible as the FITC – dextran were loaded into the erythrocytes, therefore the efficiency of the process can be improved. The result from the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that the erythrocytes were able to retain their biconcave shape better than the previous method which uses erythrocyte ghost that requires all the hemoglobin to be removed prior to the loading.