Stimuli-responsive multilayer chitosan hollow microspheres via layer-by-layer assembly

▶ The novel multilayer chitosan hollow microspheres have been fabricated by the sequential layer-by-layer electrostatic assembly technique from the sacrificial templates (polystyrene sulfonate, PSS) with chitosan (CS) as the polycation and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) as the polyanion, respectively. ▶ The multilayer chitosan hollow microspheres exhibit the pH and ionic strength dual-responsive properties. ▶ The aggregation of the multilayer chitosan hollow microspheres caused by the changing of the ionic strength was irreversible.