Layer-by-Layer Assembly Modulated by Host–Guest Binding

A strategy has been devised for improving the quality of polyelectrolyte multilayers formed via the layer-by-layer technique. This strategy involves host–guest complexation of the pendant ions of a polyelectrolyte to reduce their affinity toward the pendant ions of a complementary polyelectrolyte. Evidence for the effectiveness of this approach has been obtained on the basis of film thickness, permeability, and surface roughness measurements of polyelectrolyte multilayers derived from poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) and poly(diallyldimethyammonium chloride), using β-cyclodextrin as a host molecule