Quantification of release from microcapsules upon mechanical deformation with AFM

We present a novel method combining fluorescence microscopy with AFM force spectroscopy to investigate release of encapsulated materials from polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules upon mechanical deformations. The experimental approach allows independent measurement of release and plastic deformation thresholds. Our results reveal a well defined critical load upon which release takes place and let us correlate release with the onset of plastic deformations.