Phenylboronic Acid-Functionalized Layer-by-Layer Assemblies for Biomedical Applications.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a versatile technique for fabricating functional thin films and microstructures.
• Phenylboronic acid (PBA) functionalization imparts stimuli-responsive properties to LbL assemblies, particularly in response to sugars and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in PBA-functionalized LbL assemblies.
• To highlight their biomedical applications, focusing on sensors and drug delivery systems.
• To discuss the development of glucose-responsive insulin delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing PBA-bearing polymers to create stimuli-sensitive LbL films and microcapsules.
• Investigating the competitive binding of sugars and oxidative decomposition by H₂O₂ for PBA-modified LbL responses.
• Fabricating electrochemical, colorimetric, and fluorescence sensors using PBA-modified LbL assemblies.
• Developing drug delivery systems (DDS), particularly glucose-triggered insulin release.

Main Results:

• PBA-modified LbL assemblies demonstrate tunable responses to glucose and H₂O₂, enabling sensor development.
• Electrochemical, colorimetric, and fluorescence sensors were successfully fabricated.
• PBA-modified LbL films and microcapsules show promise for drug delivery, especially for insulin.
• Glucose-triggered insulin release was achieved through changes in LbL assembly permeability or decomposition.

Conclusions:

• PBA-functionalized LbL assemblies are effective for creating stimuli-responsive biomedical devices.
• These systems hold significant potential for advanced glucose sensing and targeted drug delivery.
• Future research focuses on optimizing insulin DDS for precise glucose-level-dependent release under physiological conditions.