Light-controlled drug releasing polymer films combining LbL self-assembly and host-guest interactions

Abstract

By combining LbL (layer-by-layer) self-assembly approach and host-guest interactions, a unique multilayer film was constructed and employed for a light-controlled drug release system. The drug molecules can be loaded and released into the resulting polyelectrolyte multilayers containing azobenzene (Azo) function groups by using the irradiation of visible light and UV light alternately. The photo-sensitivity of the multilayer films was studied through UV-vis spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and confocal microscopy. The target molecules could be rapidly released from the multilayers after 300 W UV light irradiation for 20 minutes. Moreover, they could be readsorbed into the multilayers uniformly when illuminated under the 300 W visible light for 10 minutes confirmed by the observation of confocal microscopy, and the readsorption ratio exceeds 100% evidenced from UV–vis spectroscopy. After several cycles of the above-mentioned process, the multilayer films show good fatigue resistance. All these results indicate the photo-sensitivity and high-efficiency of the multilayer films, which have great potential in controlled drug delivery platform and biomedical applications.

Keywords

• Coatings
• layer-by-layer
• host-guest interactions
• light response
• drug delivery