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

Chemically and physically stable multidrug-loaded layer-by-layer (LbL) films are promising candidates for sequential and on-demand drug release at concentrations suitable for various applications. The synergistic effect of the sequential release of drugs may enhance their therapeutic efficacy in treating skin cancer and other complex medical conditions. In this study, we prepared LbL films by alternating the deposition of cationic linear polyethylenimine, camptothecin (CPT)-loaded gold nanorods (GNRs), anionic poly(styrenesulfonate), and doxorubicin (DOX) based on electrostatic interactions. The film exhibited loading of CPT and DOX, which could be tuned according to the requirements of the application by changing the parameters of the LbL process. Herein, CPT was encapsulated in GNRs and showed good stability and absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) range (650-900 nm). The prepared LbL film showed a pH-dependent DOX release. Subsequently, the functionalized GNRs showed excellent photothermal properties, which assisted the on-demand release of CPT upon NIR irradiation with further release of DOX. Our results suggest that the LbL approach for sequential drug release can be an effective drug delivery platform owing to its cytocompatibility, anticancer effects, and stimuli-responsive properties.