The present invention relates to a method of encapsulating an uncharged, soluble, active compound within a self-assembled ionomer complex formed from polyelectrolytes, wherein the said method comprises the steps of mixing a solution comprising at least one polycation and polyanion with active compound, or adding a polyion to a solution comprising an oppositely charged polyion coupled to the active compound, wherein the interaction between the active compound and ionomer complex is non-ionic and non-covalent in nature. The invention also relates to an ionomer complex prepared thereform for use in transport and delivery of the compounds. In a preferred embodiment, the ionomer complex comprises poly-L-arginine, Poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PAA-b-PEO), wherein the said ionomer encapsulates 4-methoxyphenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (MG).
