Electrical and thermal stimulus-responsive nanocarbon-based 3D hydrogel sponge for switchable drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Smart hydrogels offer controlled drug delivery but face challenges in dispersing nanomaterials.
• Achieving homogeneous distribution of conductive nanomaterials is crucial for responsive hydrogels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel 3D hydrogels responsive to electrical and thermal stimuli for controlled drug delivery.
• To overcome challenges in nanomaterial dispersion within hydrogel networks for enhanced conductivity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 3D hydrogels using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) core-shell structures with chitosan (Chit) and a temperature-responsive copolymer (pNIBBIm).
• Construction of a CNT sponge framework to ensure uniform CNT distribution and 3D connectivity.
• Incorporation of ketoprofen as a model drug for evaluating release kinetics.

Main Results:

• The developed 3D frame CNT-Chit/pNIBBIm hydrogel demonstrated uniform CNT distribution and improved conductivity.
• The hydrogel successfully delivered approximately 37% of ketoprofen upon electrical and thermal stimulation, correlating with a 30% shrinkage.
• The material exhibited excellent physicochemical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties suitable for drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• The nanocarbon-based 3D frame hydrogel presents a promising platform for controllable and switchable drug delivery.
• This technology has significant potential for smart transdermal drug delivery systems in biomedical applications.
• The study highlights the successful integration of nanomaterials into hydrogels for advanced therapeutic applications.