Wireless on-demand drug delivery

Electrochemically produced local pH changes stimulating (bio)molecule release from pH-switchable electrode-immobilized avidin–biotin systems

“…4,5 The major interest in these studies is directed to the controlled release of drugs in medical applications, 6,7 however, some other applications, for example, in separation and purification of substances 8,9 are also feasible. Many different systems have been researched for the controlled release based on a broad variety of the stimulating input signals (light irradiation, 10 change of temperature 11 or pH values, 12 applications of magnetic field 13 or electric potential, 14 additions of (bio)chemical substances, 15 etc.). Systems for the controlled release based on natural or artificial signal-degradable polymers 1,16 or on electrostatic attractionrepulsion at interfaces 17 have been represented with many studied examples.…”

Self-Healing Behavior of Polymer/Protein Hybrid Hydrogels

“…The strategies for achieving the self-healing characteristics and formulating smart materials for diverse applications are continuously developed; some challenges and future outlooks were discussed recently in comprehensive reviews [ 14 , 27 , 42 , 43 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ]. The present paper joins the recent efforts undertaken to design self-healing hydrogels and hybrid materials [ 6 , 7 , 14 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 37 , 53 , 74 ] with unique and targeted properties, based on synergism, by using accessible methods, without altering the functionality and structural integrity of the components.…”

Weak Polyelectrolytes as Nanoarchitectonic Design Tools for Functional Materials: A Review of Recent Achievements

“…Polyelectrolytes have consequently led to the development of nanocarriers for applications in imaging and for therapeutic purposes ( Table 5 ). The on-demand release of cargo can be achieved by external or endogenous stimuli and provide a variety of ways to control the dosage, time, and location of release [ 132 ]. Temperature stands as a prominent stimulus, allowing changes in the hydration degree or layer organization which can be exploited for permeability changes and the release of the carrier [ 126 ].…”

“…In the latter case, the mechanical deformation induced causes the bursting of the capsules, thus releasing their payload [ 137 ]. Magnetic fields have also been used to trigger the release of polymer capsules [ 132 ]. With the combination of magnetic nanoparticles such as iron oxide and electromagnetic fields of various frequency and power, different mechanisms can be induced.…”