Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Polyelectrolyte Complex for Heparin Binding Domain Osteogenic Growth Factor Delivery
Published on: August 22, 2016
Hierarchical hydroxyapatite/polyelectrolyte microcapsules capped with AuNRs for remotely triggered drug delivery
Xiaoyi Zhu1, Jun Shi1, He Ma1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Abstract:
In the present paper, a smart drug delivery platform combining the hollow hierarchical hydroxyapatite (HAP), chitosan/hyaluronic acid polyelectrolyte multilayers and Au nanorods (AuNRs) had been prepared via a layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. AuNRs capped on the surface of HAP/polyelectrolyte hybrid microcapsules acted as the "gate-keeper" to obstruct the leakage of loaded drug and endow the hybrid microcapsules with excellent near-infrared (NIR)-triggered drug release property. In vitro drug release results indicated that the hybrid microcapsules exhibited distinguished pH- and NIR-responsive drug release properties. More interestingly, relatively high DOX release could be observed at pH 4.5 upon NIR laser irradiation owing to the hybrid matrix disintegration in acidic media and the noteworthy photothermal transition effect of AuNRs. The cell viability results demonstrated that the hybrid microcapsules possessed excellent biocompatibility. The present paper provides a facile and green route to fabricate hierarchical multi-responsive drug carriers with high drug loading capacity and outstanding biocompatibility, which are highly attractive for remotely controllable drug delivery.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Bioequivalence of Drugs: Drugs with Multiple Indications

