In this work we develop a field-theoretic methodology, which combines the concept of Gaussian equivalent representation for functional integrals with the continuous Gaussian thread model of flexible polymers for solving statistical-mechanical problems of polyelectrolyte solutions. We demonstrate the applicability of the method for systems of polyelectrolyte chains where the monomers interact vi...

A statistical mechanical model is presented which explicitly accounts for the fluctuations, the electrostatic, and the excluded volume correlations for ions bound to a polyelectrolyte such as DNA. The method can be employed to treat a wide range of ionic conditions including multivalent ions. The microscopic framework of the theory permits the use of realistic finite length and grooved structur...

The Layer by Layer (LBL) technique, based on the alternative assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte molecules, is a very versatile tool for the fabrication of thin polymer film with controlled features at the nanoscale [2]. We have applied the LBL technique to encapsulate purified total RNA between polyelectrolyte layers as a negative charged biopolyelectrolyte in Chitosane/Alginate/RNA...

We describe a facile method to functionalize semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) with polyelectrolytes. The polyelectrolyte coating dramatically improves the colloidal stability of the Pdots in solutions which are either of high ionic strength or contain bivalent metal ions: this feature allows Pdots to be used under physiologically relevant environments without losing their functionality. We c...

We present a novel method for remote release of an encapsulated material from polyelectrolyte capsules based on laser light illumination. Two different components were introduced in the polyelectrolyte shells of PAH/PSS capsules-either Ag nanoparticles or IR dye-to induce absorption of light. Under laser illumination the capsules containing Ag nanoparticles or IR dye were deformed or cut, thus ...

AIM This paper is a short review on the state-of-the-art of the use of polyelectrolyte complexes containing polysaccharides for wound and burn healing and treatment using the chitosan/hyaluronic acid polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS PEC is suitable for wound healing because a wet treatment can be realized and both components of PEC contribute by their properties...

Combining the numerous advantages of using light as a stimulus, simple free radical random copolymerization, and the easy, all-aqueous preparation of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), we prepared photolabile PEC nanoparticles and demonstrated their rapid degradation under UV light. As a proof of concept demonstration, the dye Nile Red was encapsulated in the PECs and successfully released into ...

This review work gives a lot of information on polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). The complex formed is generally applied in different dosage forms for the formulation of stable aggregated macromolecules. Many properties like diffusion coefficient, chain conformation, viscosity, polarizability, miscibility, etc., are drastically changed due to the introduction of a polyelectrolyte. The formation...

Polyelectrolyte complexes present new opportunities for self-assembled soft matter. Factors determining whether the phase of the complex is solid or liquid remain unclear. Ionic polypeptides enable examination of the effects of stereochemistry on complex formation. Here we demonstrate that chirality determines the state of polyelectrolyte complexes, formed from mixing dilute solutions of opposi...

Direct force measurements between negatively charged silica particles in the presence of a like-charged strong polyelectrolyte were carried out with an atomic force microscope. The force profiles can be quantitatively interpreted as a superposition of depletion and double-layer forces. The depletion forces are modeled with a damped oscillatory profile, while the double-layer forces with the mea...