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A Technique to Functionalize and Self-assemble Macroscopic Nanoparticle-ligand Monolayer Films onto Template-free Substrates
Published on: May 9, 2014
Drug delivery from gold and titanium surfaces using self-assembled monolayers
Gopinath Mani1, Dave M Johnson, Denes Marton
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249-0619, USA.
Biomaterials
|September 16, 2008
Summary
This study developed a new polymer-free drug delivery system for medical implants. Therapeutic self-assembled monolayers (TSAMs) offer a promising alternative to traditional polymer coatings on drug-eluting stents (DES).
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Current drug-eluting stents (DES) utilize polymer coatings, which can trigger inflammatory and hypersensitive reactions.
- There is a need for alternative drug delivery systems for metal implants to mitigate adverse responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel method for direct drug delivery from metal surfaces using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs).
- To chemically attach a model drug, flufenamic acid, to SAM-coated metal surfaces, creating therapeutic self-assembled monolayers (TSAMs).
Main Methods:
- Hydroxyl-terminated SAMs were coated onto gold (Au) and titanium (Ti) surfaces.
- Flufenamic acid was attached to SAMs via three esterification methods: acid chloride, dry heat, and direct esterification.
- TSAMs were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle goniometry.
- In vitro drug release was assessed over 28 days in tris-buffered saline (TBS) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Characterization techniques confirmed successful drug attachment to SAM-coated metal surfaces.
- TSAMs prepared via acid chloride esterification exhibited significant data scatter in drug release profiles.
- TSAMs produced by dry heat and direct esterification demonstrated an initial burst release followed by sustained drug elution for up to two weeks.
Conclusions:
- Self-assembled monolayers provide a viable polymer-free platform for drug delivery from metal implants.
- The developed TSAMs show potential as an alternative to polymer-based coatings in devices like coronary stents.
- Optimized esterification methods are crucial for predictable drug release kinetics.

