Fabrication of chitosan microcapsules via layer-by-layer assembly for loading and in vitro release of heparin

The heparin-loaded microcapsules were successfully prepared by layer-by-layer deposition of chitosan (CHI) and heparin (Hep). Film growth was confirmed by the reversal of z-potentials during polysaccharide deposition. Both scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope evidenced the integrity of (CHI/Hep)(5) capsules after the removal of cores. By assembling the carriers with chitosan that are inherently degradable, the capsules were engineered to degrade specifically in the presence of lysozyme. It was demonstrated that the loaded heparin was released from the capsules over a long period of time when being incubated in lysozyme solution. With these results, such CHI/Hep capsules may have a great potential as controlled release carrier for heparin.