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Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules
Published on: August 19, 2015
Photochemically Controlled Drug Dosing from a Polymeric Scaffold
Louise Donnelly1, John G Hardy1, Sean P Gorman1
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK.
Researchers developed a novel photoactive biomaterial coating for controlled drug release. This poly(2-methyoxyethyl acrylate) scaffold houses drug-DMB conjugates, enabling precise dosing via UV light activation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Photochemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Controlled drug release is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
- Photoactive materials offer precise spatiotemporal control over drug delivery.
- Poly(2-methyoxyethyl acrylate) (pMEA) is a versatile polymer scaffold.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create the first photoactive biomaterial coating for controlled drug dosing.
- To incorporate synthesized drug-3,5-dimethoxybenzoin (DMB) conjugates into a pMEA scaffold.
- To investigate photo-controlled drug liberation from the biomaterial.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of flurbiprofen- and naproxen-DMB conjugates via esterification, NMR, and mass spectrometry.
- Investigation of conjugate photolysis in solution and within the pMEA matrix using 365 nm UV irradiation.
- Monitoring photo-drug liberation into phosphate-buffered saline using UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and characterization of drug-DMB conjugates.
- Demonstrated photo-liberation of drugs from the pMEA scaffold upon UV irradiation.
- Achieved controlled drug release with multi-dosing capability, increasing dose with exposure time.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first photo-controlled drug release from a biomaterial coating.
- The pMEA scaffold is feasible for housing photoactive drug-DMB conjugates.
- This technology holds promise for advanced, targeted drug delivery applications.
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