On-demand electrically controlled drug release from resorbable nanocomposite films

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electroresponsive materials offer precise control for drug delivery systems (DDSs).
• Existing systems often require high voltages, lack bioresorbability, or use materials with unknown biocompatibility.
• There is a need for safe, effective, and controllable DDSs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, resorbable, electroresponsive drug delivery system (DDS).
• To utilize FDA-approved materials for enhanced safety and biocompatibility.
• To achieve controlled drug release at low voltages.

Main Methods:

• Designed and synthesized nanometric films of drug-loaded Eudragit S100 (EGT) coated with chitosan.
• Investigated electroresponsive drug release triggered by local pH changes induced by electrical stimuli.
• Validated the system's efficacy with various molecules of different properties.

Main Results:

• The developed nanocomposite film is resorbable and electroresponsive at low voltages (< -2 V).
• Drug release demonstrated a linear correlation with applied voltage, current, and time.
• Successfully released diverse molecules, including fluorescein, curcumin, meloxicam, and glucagon.

Conclusions:

• The novel DDS enables precise, low-voltage-controlled drug release using bioresorbable and FDA-approved materials.
• This technology holds promise for minimally invasive, personalized medicine devices for chronic disease management.
• The system's generalizability across various molecules highlights its potential for broad therapeutic applications.