Controlled loading and release studies of payload molecules from conducting polymer nanotubes

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1669825 (Table of Contents)

The increase in the use of targeted delivery in the new generation treatment methods led to an increase in the studies focusing on controlled release of macromolecules from nanostructures. The nanostructures are preferred as carriers due to their large surface areas and different methods are investigated to achieve controlled release from these structures. By using stimuli responsive polymers to synthesize these nanocarriers, controlled release could be achieved through external stimuli control. Although there is a vast amount of studies on this topic, controlled release from these nanocarriers with high efficiency could not be achieved leading to limited use of these structures in treatment. One of the main reasons behind this is the challenge with synthesis of polymeric nanostructures. In this project, conductive polymer nanotubes are synthesized via oxidative chemical vapor deposition method, which is a vapor phase conductive polymer deposition technique, and the capture and controlled release performances of these nanostructures are investigated. Polypyrrole polymers are used to synthesize the nanotubes and release of the molecules from the nanotubes is achieved by applying voltage to these structures. Furthermore, coaxial nanotubes with conductive polymer outer layer and functional polymer inner layer are synthesized to have a better control on release kinetics and achieve higher loading percentages. By the end of the project, conductive polymer nanotubes synthesized and extended experience is gained on their molecule absorption and controlled release properties. The nanostructures that are developed in this project will be beneficial for targeted, controlled release applications.