Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2025
09:39
Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
8.2K
Photomechanical Polymer Nanocomposites for Drug Delivery Devices.
Jonathan David López-Lugo1, Reinher Pimentel-Domínguez1, Jorge Alejandro Benítez-Martínez1
1Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. Postal 70-360, Cd. Universitaria, México 04510, Mexico.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 10, 2021
Summary
We developed smart carbon nanocomposites for laser-triggered drug delivery devices. These polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon nanoparticle (CNP) composites offer controlled drug release upon laser exposure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Drug delivery devices (DDDs) require precise control over release kinetics.
- Smart materials offer potential for spatiotemporal control in drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel laser-triggered drug delivery devices (DDDs) using smart carbon nanocomposites.
- To investigate the photothermal properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) for DDD applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PDMS/CNP nanocomposite prototypes for DDDs.
- Physicochemical and photomechanical characterization of nanocomposites.
- In vitro testing of DDDs using rhodamine-B (Rh-B) as a marker solution.
- Numerical simulations to elucidate drug release mechanisms.
Main Results:
- PDMS/CNP nanocomposites exhibit photothermal effects suitable for laser-triggered drug release.
- Demonstrated controlled expulsion of Rh-B from DDDs upon laser irradiation.
- Identified two primary release mechanisms: elastic deformation and bubble generation.
- Drug release amount was found to be dependent on laser exposure time.
Conclusions:
- Inexpensive PDMS/CNP nanocomposites can form the basis for novel DDDs.
- The developed DDDs offer spatial and temporal control over drug release via laser irradiation.
- This technology presents a promising platform for advanced drug delivery systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
1.0K
The parenteral route is a critical method of drug administration. It delivers compounds directly into the systemic circulation and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly advantageous for drugs that exhibit poor absorption or instability when administered orally.
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...
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...
1.0K
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
479
The selection of a drug's delivery route depends upon its physicochemical properties, including lipid or water solubility and ionization, as well as the therapeutic requirement, such as immediate or sustained effect. These routes can be divided into three primary categories: enteral, parenteral, and topical.
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
479