Dependence of Sub-Micron Vaterite Container Release Properties on pH and Ionic Strength of the Surrounding Solution

Abstract

We report on the synthesis and characterization of porous monodisperse vaterite containers with controllable average sizes from 400 nm to 10 μm. Possible release strategies of enclosed substances via recrystallization or by pH-change are presented. As a model experiment, a fluorescent marker was encapsulated and imaged by two-photon microscopy to monitor the dye release. The release process was found to be controllable via the immersion medium’s properties. Release times can be further tuned by covering the containers with additional polymer layers, creating a flexible system with promising perspectives for pharmaceutical applications.