Functional nanotubes for triggered release of molecules

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1166/nnl.2015.1896

Controlled release of macromolecules from polymeric nanostructures can be triggered by changes in the environmental stimuli. This requires synthesis of nanostructures from stimuli-responsive polymers which react to stimuli by undergoing physicochemical changes. In this work, fabrication of pH responsive polymeric nanotubes using the templated initiated chemical vapor deposition method is demonstrated. The nanotubes are synthesized using the poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) polymer which swells as the pH of the medium is increased. Controlled release of model dye molecules from the nanotubes by changing the pH of the medium is demonstrated. Release amounts of up to 50% are observed at low pH due to shrinking of the nanotubes triggering the burst release of the molecules.