Enzymatic Degradation of Capsules Based on Polyelectrolyte Polypeptide–Polysaccharide Complex for the Controlled Release of DNA

DNA-containing biodegradable microcapsules based on vaterite CaCO 3 polycrystalline particles and polyelectrolyte complex polyarginine–dextran sulfate are obtained and characterized. The enzymatic degradation of the microcapsules induced by pronase is studied using scanning electron microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, and spectrophotometry. It is shown that microcapsules the shell of which is formed by polypeptide–polysaccharide polyelectrolyte complexes are sensitive to pronase-induced enzymatic hydrolysis leading to the release of encapsulated DNA.