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Published on: February 19, 2016
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Thermoresponsive layer-by-layer assemblies for nanoparticle-based drug delivery.
Jing Zhou1, Michael V Pishko, Jodie L Lutkenhaus
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas 77843-3003, United States.
Summary
This study developed thermoresponsive layer-by-layer (LbL) capsules for controlled drug delivery. By tuning the LbL assembly, dexamethasone release can be controlled by temperature, offering a promising therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) capsules offer tunable properties for drug delivery.
- Achieving sustained and controlled drug release from LbL systems remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and investigate a thermoresponsive drug delivery system using LbL capsules.
- To explore the influence of LbL architecture on dexamethasone release kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of solid dexamethasone nanoparticles (DXM NPs) within a poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PDAC/PSS) LbL assembly.
- Systematic investigation of parameters including layer number, ionic strength, temperature, and outermost layer composition on drug release.
Main Results:
- Increasing LbL layer number enhanced the nanoshell thickness and reduced dexamethasone release rate.
- LbL assemblies fabricated without salt exhibited the highest temperature responsiveness and drug release contrast.
- Drug release correlated with the size and concentration of free volume cavities within the LbL architecture.
Conclusions:
- Tailoring LbL assembly properties, specifically free volume cavities, enables the creation of thermoresponsive drug delivery systems.
- LbL assemblies can function as temperature-gated materials for controlled drug release, potentially reducing therapeutic toxic effects.
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