Light-Responsive Layer-By-Layer Film Containing Gold Nanorods for Sequential Drug Release.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Multidrug-loaded layer-by-layer (LbL) films offer controlled sequential drug release.
• Synergistic drug effects can improve therapeutic efficacy for complex diseases like skin cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop stable LbL films for sequential and on-demand release of camptothecin (CPT) and doxorubicin (DOX).
• To investigate the stimuli-responsive drug release mechanisms.
• To evaluate the potential of this platform for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of LbL films using polyethylenimine, CPT-loaded gold nanorods (GNRs), poly(styrenesulfonate), and DOX via electrostatic interactions.
• Characterization of drug loading, stability, and release kinetics.
• Evaluation of pH-dependent DOX release and near-infrared (NIR) triggered CPT release from GNRs.

Main Results:

• LbL films successfully co-loaded CPT and DOX, with tunable drug content.
• CPT-loaded GNRs exhibited stability and NIR absorption.
• pH-dependent DOX release and NIR-triggered CPT release were achieved.
• The films demonstrated cytocompatibility and anticancer effects.

Conclusions:

• The developed LbL films provide an effective platform for sequential and stimuli-responsive drug delivery.
• This approach holds significant potential for enhancing cancer treatment through synergistic and on-demand drug release.
• The platform's tunable properties and stimuli-responsive release mechanisms offer versatility for various therapeutic applications.