On-Demand Drug-Delivery Platform Using Electrospun Nanofibers by Externally Triggered Glass Transition Switch

Abstract

On-demand drug-delivery platforms can provide precise control over the timing and amount of drug delivered using external stimuli. Such platforms enable customizable release patterns and enhance therapeutic efficacy by anticipatorily, repeatedly, and dependably controlling the timing, amount, and location of drug release. Herein, we propose an innovative on-demand drug release platform based on electrospun nanofibers (NFs) with a near-infrared (NIR)-triggered glass transition switch to simplify protocols and improve the currently available thermoresponsive nanocarrier formulations. The gold nanorods (GNRs) present in NFs generate heat when exposed to NIR radiation due to the plasmon resonance effect as the GNRs are absorbed in the range of the NIR spectrum. In this investigation, poly-L-lactic acid, a polymer with a glass transition temperature (T g ) of 53−58 °C, was used to create electrospun NFs containing GNRs and camptothecin. Upon NIR irradiation, the increase in temperature above the T g by the GNRs caused physical changes in the NFs, which ensured that the drug was released in a controlled manner. This study demonstrates a promising platform for safely delivering drugs and controlling drug release to treat cancer as well as other challenging diseases.

Smart Delivery Platform Using Core–Shell Nanofibers for Sequential Drug Release in Wound Healing

“…The core is further characterized by high thermal and optical responsiveness due to the incorporated GNRs. Because the glass transition temperature of PLLA is between 53 and 58 °C, the cross-linking temperature was chosen at 50 °C so as to avoid affecting the shell.…”

Two-Dimensional Geometry-Dependent Interfaces for Enhanced Water Splitting Kinetics

“…Compared with the metallic Ir 0 , Ir−O is less active in HER due to its higher d-band center energy than Ir 0 , resulting in a stronger H−Ir binding capability that could hinder the hydrogen desorption behaviors. 38 For OER, the metastable Ir− O species are gradually formed as the reaction proceeds, which is beneficial for OER activity enhancement. 39,40 Hence, in the long term operation, the oxidation is beneficial to stabilizing Ir sites for the OER; however, this could decrease active sites for the HER.…”

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

“…21−26 Because most drugs must be given repeatedly and consistently over long periods of time to be effective, and their concentrations must remain within the desired effective range to prevent overuse or underdosing, it is necessary to develop and improve new adaptive systems that can be easily controlled externally and capable of being spatially programmed. 5,27,28 Drug toxicity in living cells and the maintenance of a minimal concentration of pharmaceuticals in the blood are the main goals of research on DDSs. 29−32 New strategies that enable controlled drug release are necessary considering these initiatives.…”

“…Using controlled and sequenced release mechanisms to prevent undesirable outcomes associated with simultaneous codelivery, local DDSs can restrict drug–drug interactions, improve therapeutic effectiveness, and minimize drug resistance in skin cancer treatment. − The field of sequential and on-demand DDSs has seen a growth in the development of responsive biomaterials with configurable physical and chemical characteristics. − Because of their reversible phase transformation in reaction to stimulation and physiochemical influences such as pH, temperature, and enzymatic activity, and external forces such as UV light, near-infrared (NIR), ultrasound, electric, and magnetic radiation, these materials can be used as drug-carrier frameworks for the effective delivery of pharmaceuticals. − Because most drugs must be given repeatedly and consistently over long periods of time to be effective, and their concentrations must remain within the desired effective range to prevent overuse or underdosing, it is necessary to develop and improve new adaptive systems that can be easily controlled externally and capable of being spatially programmed. ,, …”

“… 21 − 26 Because most drugs must be given repeatedly and consistently over long periods of time to be effective, and their concentrations must remain within the desired effective range to prevent overuse or underdosing, it is necessary to develop and improve new adaptive systems that can be easily controlled externally and capable of being spatially programmed. 5 , 27 , 28 …”