Nanopore thin film enabled optical platform for drug loading and release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for targeted and controlled therapeutic agent release.
• Nanopore thin films offer unique structural properties for encapsulating and releasing therapeutic molecules.
• Layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoassembly provides a versatile method for fabricating functional nanomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a drug loading and release device utilizing anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanopore thin films and LbL nanoassembly.
• To evaluate the drug loading capacity and release kinetics of gentamicin sulfate (GS) from the fabricated device.
• To assess the biocompatibility of the nanopore thin film for potential biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of nanopore thin films from anodic aluminum oxide (AAO).
• Loading of gentamicin sulfate (GS) into AAO nanopores and onto film surfaces using LbL nanoassembly.
• Optical monitoring of drug loading and release processes.
• Evaluation of nanopore size/volume effects on drug loading and release.
• In vitro culture of neuron cells on the nanopore thin film to assess biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of a drug delivery device using AAO nanopore thin films and LbL nanoassembly.
• Gentamicin sulfate (GS) was effectively loaded into nanopores and released upon immersion in flowing DI water.
• Optical monitoring confirmed both drug loading and release processes.
• Nanopore size and volume significantly influenced drug loading and release characteristics.
• The nanopore thin film demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, supporting normal neuron cell growth.

Conclusions:

• A novel, optically monitored drug delivery device based on AAO nanopore thin films and LbL nanoassembly has been successfully developed.
• The device exhibits controlled release of gentamicin sulfate and is biocompatible, supporting neuron cell growth.
• This technology holds significant promise as a potential implantable controlled drug release system.