abstract
Temperature and near infrared (NIR) light responsive multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-kappa-carrageenan hydrogel composites have been prepared. The effects of the MWCNTs on the microstructure, strength, swelling and release properties of the resultant materials were investigated. MWCNTs acted as reinforcing fillers and enhanced the mechanical properties of the hydrogels, the effect being mostly nanotube concentration dependent. Surface functionalization of nanotubes had a major influence on the swelling of the composites. The increased release of a model drug (methylene blue) in in vitro conditions, from kappa-carrageenan hydrogel composites due to the NIR photothermal effect of MWCNTs was demonstrated at the physiological temperature. Thus, these composites are promising materials for the development of carriers for remotely activated drug delivery.
keywords
NEAR-INFRARED LIGHT; IN-VITRO; DELIVERY; NANOPARTICLES; SYSTEMS; SINGLE; NANOMATERIALS; IRRADIATION; CHALLENGES; POLYMERS
subject category
Chemistry
authors
Estrada, AC; Daniel-da-Silva, AL; Trindade, T
our authors
Ana Cristina Estrada
Junior Researcher
Ana Luísa Daniel da Silva
Principal Researcher
Tito Trindade
Full professoracknowledgements
The authors acknowledge FCT (Pest-C/CTM/LA0011/2011, SFRH/BPD/86780/2012), FSE and POPH for funding. We thank the RNME (National Electronic Microscopy Network) for SEM facilities and the National Program for Scientific Equipment Renewal (REED/515/CTM/2005) for DMA measurements. The authors are very grateful to Dr A. V. Girao, MSc. M. C. Azevedo and MSc. S. Magina for technical support.