Layer-by-layer assembly of multilayer films for controlled drug release

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Drug efficacy is enhanced through improved targeting, reduced toxicity, and controlled release.
• Various platforms are developed for drug loading and release to achieve desired therapeutic properties.
• Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly is a versatile technique for creating functional multilayer films.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review controlled drug release from LbL self-assembling films.
• To highlight diverse release kinetics and mechanisms from LbL multilayer structures.
• To provide insights into optimizing drug release profiles using LbL technology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies utilizing LbL self-assembly for drug delivery.
• Analysis of different LbL film compositions and fabrication methods.
• Examination of drug release kinetics and mechanisms reported in the literature.

Main Results:

• LbL self-assembly enables the fabrication of multilayer films with tunable properties for drug delivery.
• Diverse drug release kinetics, including sustained and triggered release, can be achieved with LbL films.
• The mechanisms of drug release from LbL films are influenced by film architecture, composition, and environmental stimuli.

Conclusions:

• LbL self-assembly is a powerful platform for developing advanced drug delivery systems.
• Understanding drug release mechanisms is crucial for designing effective LbL-based therapeutics.
• LbL technology offers significant potential for improving drug targeting, reducing toxicity, and achieving sustained drug release.