title: Towards theranostic multicompartment microcapsules: in-situ diagnostics and laser-induced treatment.
abstract: Paving the way towards the application of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules in theranostics, we describe diagnostic multi-functionality and drug delivery using multicompartment polymeric capsules which represent the next generation of drug delivery carriers. Their versatility is particularly important for potential applications in the area of theranostics wherein the carriers are endowed with the functionality for both diagnostics and therapy. Responsiveness towards external stimuli is attractive for providing controlled and on-demand release of encapsulated materials. An overview of external stimuli is presented with an emphasis on light as a physical stimulus which has been widely used for activation of microcapsules and release of their contents. In this article we also describe existing and new approaches to build multicompartment microcapsules as well as means available to achieve controlled and triggered release from their subcompartments, with a focus on applications in theranostics. Outlook for future directions in the area are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Lab. of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Centre for Nano-Bio (NB)-photonics, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
authors.forename: Ranhua
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Xiong
authors.forename: Stefaan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Soenen
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Braeckmans
authors.forename: Andre G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Skirtach
mesh_terms: D002214:Capsules / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D004337:Drug Carriers
keywords: capsules; laser; multicompartment; nanoplasmonics.; stimuli; theranostics