3D-Printed Plasmonic Nanocomposites: VAT Photopolymerization for Photothermal-Controlled Drug Release

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Engineering

Background:

• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit tunable plasmonic properties based on size and shape, enabling photothermal effects.
• Photothermal properties of AuNPs allow for controlled release of active substances from polymeric matrices, reducing side effects.
• Vat photopolymerization 3D printing facilitates the integration of nanoparticles into complex pharmaceutical formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To incorporate gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and nanorods (AuNRs) into polymeric matrices using vat photopolymerization.
• To achieve controlled drug release triggered by specific laser wavelengths (532 nm and 1064 nm).
• To develop a pharmaceutical device for targeted and controlled drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of AuNSs (27 nm) and AuNRs (60 nm length, 10 nm width) into polymer matrices via vat photopolymerization.
• Optimization of ternary blends (PEGDA 250, PEG 400, water) using DesignExpert 11 for controlled release kinetics.
• Characterization of optimized matrices and fabrication of bilayer devices for selective drug release.

Main Results:

• AuNSs demonstrated responsiveness to 532 nm, while AuNRs responded to 1064 nm irradiation.
• Two optimized polymeric matrices achieved controlled release of niclosamide upon specific wavelength exposure.
• Bilayer devices incorporating both AuNSs and AuNRs exhibited selective drug release dependent on the irradiation wavelength.

Conclusions:

• A novel pharmaceutical device capable of wavelength-controlled drug release was successfully developed.
• The developed device shows potential for applications requiring precise and delayed administration of therapeutic agents.
• This technology offers a promising approach for advanced drug delivery systems.