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Article
Controlled release of nanoparticles and macromolecules from responsive microgel capsules
ACS Nano (2011)
  • Hassan Masoud, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Alexander Alexeev, Georgia Institute of Technology
Abstract
Using a mesoscale computational model, we probe the release of nanoparticles and linear macromolecules from hollow microgel capsules that swell and deswell in response to external stimuli. Our simulations reveal that responsive microcapsules can be effectively utilized for steady and pulsatile release of encapsulated solutes. Swollen gel capsules allow steady, diffusive release of nanoparticles and polymer chains, whereas gel deswelling causes burst-like discharge of solutes driven by an outward flow of the solvent enclosed within a shrinking capsule. We demonstrate that this hydrodynamic release can be regulated by introducing rigid microscopic rods in the capsule interior. Thus, our findings disclose an efficient approach for controlled release from stimuli-responsive microcarriers that could be useful for designing advanced drug delivery systems.
Keywords
  • volume transition,
  • responsive hydrogel capsule,
  • controlled release,
  • dissipative particle dynamics,
  • drug delivery,
  • polymer network
Publication Date
December 16, 2011
DOI
10.1021/nn2043143
Publisher Statement
© 2011 American Chemical Society. Publisher's version of record: https://doi.org/10.1021/nn2043143
Citation Information
Hassan Masoud and Alexander Alexeev. "Controlled release of nanoparticles and macromolecules from responsive microgel capsules" ACS Nano Vol. 6 Iss. 1 (2011) p. 212 - 219 ISSN: 1936-0851
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/hassan-masoud/14/