Polypyrrole microcapsules loaded with gold nanoparticles: Perspectives for biomedical imaging

We report the facile preparation of polypyrrole microcapsules with a hydrophobic liquid core that is loaded with gold nanoparticles. Through the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole, the polymer is deposited onto the surface of the droplets, which results in the encapsulation of both the liquid phase and the metal nanoparticles. We demonstrate the preparation of the microcapsules loaded with organic solvents (toluene, hexane) or 2-oxoheptyl isothiocyanate (new promising anticancer agent) as the liquid cores and stable or radioactive gold nanoparticles (Au-197 or Au-198 isotopes). The resulting microcapsules have been demonstrated as promising agents for medical applications such as computed tomography or gamma imaging. Moreover, the capsules can be applied as drug carriers, which has been shown in vitro on cancer and normal cell cultures.