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Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Preparation and characterization of spray-dried polymeric Nanocapsules
    Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2020
    Co-Authors: C. R. Müller, Adriana Raffin Pohlmann, Valquiria Linck Bassani, Cecilia Bohns Michalowski, Pedro Ros Petrovick, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres
    Abstract:

    Recently, much interest has been generated by colloidal drug delivery systems such as Nanocapsules because of the possibilities for controlled release, increased drug efficacy, and reduced toxicity after parenteral administration. Nanocapsules of poly-e-caprolactone and Eudragit S90® were prepared. However, these systems present physicochemical instability. To dry these Nanocapsule suspensions with the view of obtaining a solid form, the spray-drying process was used. Spray-dried powders of Nanocapsules of poly-e-caprolactone and Eudragit S90® were prepared by atomization in a Buchi 190 Mini-spray dryer using colloidal silicon dioxide as a technological carrier. The morphological analysis of the surface at the powders showed that Nanocapsules remain intact, and no change in particle size was detected after the spray-drying process. These results suggest that this method can be an interesting alternative to dry Nanocapsule suspensions.

  • Polymeric Nanocapsules for Topical Delivery
    Percutaneous Penetration Enhancers Chemical Methods in Penetration Enhancement, 2020
    Co-Authors: Adriana Raffin Pohlmann, Cassia Britto Detoni, Karina Paese, Karine Coradini, Ruy Carlos Ruver Beck, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres
    Abstract:

    Polymeric Nanocapsules represent an interesting carrier system for cutaneous applications. The possibilities of modulating skin penetration/permeation by altering the design of the formulation and the range of applicability are the main subjects under study. With this in mind, this chapter will address methods of Nanocapsule preparation and the influence of the polymeric wall, the surface functionalization, and the vehicle on the skin penetration/permeation profile of active substances loaded in polymeric Nanocapsules. Additionally, therapeutic and cosmetic applications of Nanocapsules will also be discussed.

  • Polymeric Nanocapsules: Concepts and Applications
    Nanocosmetics and Nanomedicines, 2020
    Co-Authors: Fernanda S. Poletto, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres, Ruy Carlos Ruver Beck, Adriana Raffin Pohlmann
    Abstract:

    This chapter presents an overview of polymeric Nanocapsules for dermatological and cosmetic applications, including their preparation methods, physicochemical characterization and models of supramolecular structures. Polymeric Nanocapsules are advantageous because of their ability to control the release rate and the penetration/permeation of drugs and active ingredients in the skin. These properties can be modulated through manipulating the qualitative and quantitative compositions of formulations. The chemical nature of raw materials can define the supramolecular structures of the Nanocapsule core and surface. In addition, polymeric Nanocapsules protect the encapsulated drug or active ingredient from degradation by acting as reservoirs. Aqueous suspensions of polymeric Nanocapsules are directly applied on the skin or used as intermediate products for semisolid formulations, such as hydrogels and emulgels. The rheological characteristics of semisolid formulations can be modified by the presence of Nanocapsules. Polymeric Nanocapsules are valuable devices for skin applications and represent a promising research field in terms of providing products to be explored by industry.

  • Labeling the oily core of Nanocapsules and lipid-core Nanocapsules with a triglyceride conjugated to a fluorescent dye as a strategy to particle tracking in biological studies
    Nanoscale Research Letters, 2014
    Co-Authors: Luana Almeida Fiel, Renata V. Contri, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres, Juliane Freitas Bica, Fabrício Figueiró, Ana Maria Oliveira Battastini, Adriana Raffin Pohlmann
    Abstract:

    The synthesis of novel fluorescent materials represents a very important step to obtain labeled nanoformulations in order to evaluate their biological behavior. The strategy of conjugating a fluorescent dye with triacylglycerol allows that either particles differing regarding supramolecular structure, i.e., nanoemulsions, Nanocapsules, lipid-core Nanocapsules, or surface charge, i.e., cationic Nanocapsules and anionic Nanocapsules, can be tracked using the same labeled material. In this way, a rhodamine B-conjugated triglyceride was obtained to prepare fluorescent polymeric Nanocapsules. Different formulations were obtained, Nanocapsules (NC) or lipid-core Nanocapsules (LNC), using the labeled oil and Eudragit RS100, Eudragit S100, or poly(caprolactone) (PCL), respectively. The rhodamine B was coupled with the ricinolein by activating the carboxylic function using a carbodiimide derivative. Thin layer chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to identify the new product. Fluorescent Nanocapsule aqueous suspensions were prepared by the solvent displacement method. Their pH values were 4.6 (NC-RS100), 3.5 (NC-S100), and 5.0 (LNC-PCL). The volume-weighted mean diameter (D4.3) and polydispersity values were 150 nm and 1.05 (NC-RS100), 350 nm and 2.28 (NC-S100), and 270 nm and 1.67 (LNC-PCL). The mean diameters determined by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) (z-average) were around 200 nm. The zeta potential values were +5.85 mV (NC-RS100), -21.12 mV (NC-S100), and -19.25 mV (LNC-PCL). The wavelengths of maximum fluorescence emission were 567 nm (NC-RS100 and LNC-PCL) and 574 nm (NC-S100). Fluorescence microscopy was used to evaluate the cell uptake (human macrophage cell line) of the fluorescent Nanocapsules in order to show the applicability of the approach. When the cells were treated with the fluorescent Nanocapsules, red emission was detected around the cell nucleus. We demonstrated that the rhodamine B-conjugated triglyceride is a promising new material to obtain versatile dye-labeled nanocarriers presenting different chemical nature in their surfaces.

  • An algorithm to determine the mechanism of drug distribution in lipid-core Nanocapsule formulations
    Soft Matter, 2013
    Co-Authors: Catiúscia P. Oliveira, Cristina G. Venturini, Bruna Donida, Fernanda S. Poletto, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres, Adriana Raffin Pohlmann
    Abstract:

    Aqueous solutions of lipid-core Nanocapsules are interesting drug delivery systems for passive drug targeting. In this study, we hypothesized that the drug distribution mechanisms in lipid-core Nanocapsule formulations could be categorized into six different types. To experimentally determine the type of drug distribution in these formulations, we proposed the use of an algorithm as an innovative strategy. The approach is shown to be a valuable tool to optimize and select formulations intended for drug delivery. The best physico-chemical parameter in terms of predicting the type of distribution was the log D value. In conclusion, the use of the algorithm developed in this study represents a simple and rapid approach through which it was possible to experimentally determine the drug distribution in colloidal formulations for eight drug models.

Alexander V. Vakhrushev - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Guided Carbon Nanocapsules for Hydrogen Storage
    Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mikhail V. Suyetin, Alexander V. Vakhrushev
    Abstract:

    The storage of hydrogen in the condensed state in high-pressure vessels is dangerous, and it is impossible to store a large amount of hydrogen using adsorbents in normal ambient conditions. In order to overcome these problems, we designed a Nanocapsule and investigated it with the help of the molecular dynamics simulation. The Nanocapsule combines the advantages of a high-pressure vessel and adsorbents, namely a large hydrogen mass content and safe keeping. The Nanocapsule is a system of combined nanotubes. Its outlet is closed by a positively charged endohedral complex K@C601+. The outlet opening and closing by the K@C601+ ion are induced by the action of an electric field. The processes taking place during the hydrogen adsorption, storage, and desorption from the Nanocapsule are analyzed, and the value of the electric field intensity required for transferring the K@C601+ ion into the Nanocapsule is determined. The Nanocapsule discussed can retain more than 6 wt % of hydrogen under normal conditions and ...

  • Nanocapsule with pump for methane storage
    Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mikhail V. Suyetin, Alexander V. Vakhrushev
    Abstract:

    A Nanocapsule for high-effective methane storage is investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. Methane molecules are pumped into a Nanocapsule via pumping and locking chambers by the K@C(60)(1+) ions moved by the electric field. When such a technique is used, the methane weight content in the Nanocapsule reaches 36.4 wt%. At the methane storage stage the external thermodynamic conditions are normal. This paper presents the analysis of the processes taking place during the Nanocapsule charging with methane, its storage and desorption.

  • Temperature-sensitive Nanocapsule for drug delivery
    Micro & Nano Letters, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mikhail V. Suyetin, Alexander V. Vakhrushev
    Abstract:

    One of the most important applications of nanotechnology is to discover systems for targeted delivery of drugs, that is, designing Nanocapsules (nanocontainers). Such Nanocapsules have to take effect only in strictly localised areas to avoid drug action on healthy cells. The processes of doxorubicin storage and ejection by the carbon Nanocapsule for drug delivery are studied by the method of molecular dynamics. The Nanocapsule discussed consists of different nanotubes: (40,40), (10,10), (20,20) and (15,15) joint with each other by pentagonal and heptagonal rings. Nanocapsule stores doxorubicin molecule at normal human body temperature - 309.75K (36.6°C). The doxorubicin molecule is ejected owing to heating and further expansion of the gas inside the Nanocapsule. The gas pushes the fullerene-piston, which ejects the doxorubicin molecule out of the Nanocapsule. The temperature required for doxorubicin ejection is 316.75K (43.6°C). The temperature elevation can be reached with infrared radiation. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

  • Temperature-sensitive Nanocapsule for drug delivery
    Micro & Nano Letters, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mikhail V. Suyetin, Alexander V. Vakhrushev
    Abstract:

    One of the most important applications of nanotechnology is to discover systems for targeted delivery of drugs, that is, designing Nanocapsules (nanocontainers). Such Nanocapsules have to take effect only in strictly localised areas to avoid drug action on healthy cells. The processes of doxorubicin storage and ejection by the carbon Nanocapsule for drug delivery are studied by the method of molecular dynamics. The Nanocapsule discussed consists of different nanotubes: (40,40), (10,10), (20,20) and (15,15) joint with each other by pentagonal and heptagonal rings. Nanocapsule stores doxorubicin molecule at normal human body temperature - 309.75-K (36.6-C). The doxorubicin molecule is ejected owing to heating and further expansion of the gas inside the Nanocapsule. The gas pushes the fullerene-piston, which ejects the doxorubicin molecule out of the Nanocapsule. The temperature required for doxorubicin ejection is 316.75-K (43.6-C). The temperature elevation can be reached with infrared radiation.

  • Methane storage in bottle-like Nanocapsules
    Nanotechnology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Alexander V. Vakhrushev, Mikhail V. Suyetin
    Abstract:

    Because the traditional storage of methane in the condensed state in high-pressure vessels is rather dangerous, and to store a large amount of gas using adsorbents is impossible at normal ambient conditions, we have developed a Nanocapsule, which combines the advantages of a high-pressure vessel and adsorbents—a large methane mass content and safe-keeping. A Nanocapsule is a system of combined nanotubes forming bottle-like pores, the entrance to which is closed by a positively charged endohedral complex (K@C60) with the help of an electric field. In normal ambient conditions, the Nanocapsule can retain the amount of methane adsorbed under charging conditions. The processes taking place during the storage of methane and the methane desorption from the Nanocapsule are analysed and the value of the electric field intensity necessary for the transfer of the K@C60 in the Nanocapsule is determined. The Nanocapsule discussed can retain ~17.5 mass% of methane at an internal pressure of 10 MPa and a temperature of 300 K.

Adriana Raffin Pohlmann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Preparation and characterization of spray-dried polymeric Nanocapsules
    Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2020
    Co-Authors: C. R. Müller, Adriana Raffin Pohlmann, Valquiria Linck Bassani, Cecilia Bohns Michalowski, Pedro Ros Petrovick, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres
    Abstract:

    Recently, much interest has been generated by colloidal drug delivery systems such as Nanocapsules because of the possibilities for controlled release, increased drug efficacy, and reduced toxicity after parenteral administration. Nanocapsules of poly-e-caprolactone and Eudragit S90® were prepared. However, these systems present physicochemical instability. To dry these Nanocapsule suspensions with the view of obtaining a solid form, the spray-drying process was used. Spray-dried powders of Nanocapsules of poly-e-caprolactone and Eudragit S90® were prepared by atomization in a Buchi 190 Mini-spray dryer using colloidal silicon dioxide as a technological carrier. The morphological analysis of the surface at the powders showed that Nanocapsules remain intact, and no change in particle size was detected after the spray-drying process. These results suggest that this method can be an interesting alternative to dry Nanocapsule suspensions.

  • Polymeric Nanocapsules for Topical Delivery
    Percutaneous Penetration Enhancers Chemical Methods in Penetration Enhancement, 2020
    Co-Authors: Adriana Raffin Pohlmann, Cassia Britto Detoni, Karina Paese, Karine Coradini, Ruy Carlos Ruver Beck, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres
    Abstract:

    Polymeric Nanocapsules represent an interesting carrier system for cutaneous applications. The possibilities of modulating skin penetration/permeation by altering the design of the formulation and the range of applicability are the main subjects under study. With this in mind, this chapter will address methods of Nanocapsule preparation and the influence of the polymeric wall, the surface functionalization, and the vehicle on the skin penetration/permeation profile of active substances loaded in polymeric Nanocapsules. Additionally, therapeutic and cosmetic applications of Nanocapsules will also be discussed.

  • Polymeric Nanocapsules: Concepts and Applications
    Nanocosmetics and Nanomedicines, 2020
    Co-Authors: Fernanda S. Poletto, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres, Ruy Carlos Ruver Beck, Adriana Raffin Pohlmann
    Abstract:

    This chapter presents an overview of polymeric Nanocapsules for dermatological and cosmetic applications, including their preparation methods, physicochemical characterization and models of supramolecular structures. Polymeric Nanocapsules are advantageous because of their ability to control the release rate and the penetration/permeation of drugs and active ingredients in the skin. These properties can be modulated through manipulating the qualitative and quantitative compositions of formulations. The chemical nature of raw materials can define the supramolecular structures of the Nanocapsule core and surface. In addition, polymeric Nanocapsules protect the encapsulated drug or active ingredient from degradation by acting as reservoirs. Aqueous suspensions of polymeric Nanocapsules are directly applied on the skin or used as intermediate products for semisolid formulations, such as hydrogels and emulgels. The rheological characteristics of semisolid formulations can be modified by the presence of Nanocapsules. Polymeric Nanocapsules are valuable devices for skin applications and represent a promising research field in terms of providing products to be explored by industry.

  • Labeling the oily core of Nanocapsules and lipid-core Nanocapsules with a triglyceride conjugated to a fluorescent dye as a strategy to particle tracking in biological studies
    Nanoscale Research Letters, 2014
    Co-Authors: Luana Almeida Fiel, Renata V. Contri, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres, Juliane Freitas Bica, Fabrício Figueiró, Ana Maria Oliveira Battastini, Adriana Raffin Pohlmann
    Abstract:

    The synthesis of novel fluorescent materials represents a very important step to obtain labeled nanoformulations in order to evaluate their biological behavior. The strategy of conjugating a fluorescent dye with triacylglycerol allows that either particles differing regarding supramolecular structure, i.e., nanoemulsions, Nanocapsules, lipid-core Nanocapsules, or surface charge, i.e., cationic Nanocapsules and anionic Nanocapsules, can be tracked using the same labeled material. In this way, a rhodamine B-conjugated triglyceride was obtained to prepare fluorescent polymeric Nanocapsules. Different formulations were obtained, Nanocapsules (NC) or lipid-core Nanocapsules (LNC), using the labeled oil and Eudragit RS100, Eudragit S100, or poly(caprolactone) (PCL), respectively. The rhodamine B was coupled with the ricinolein by activating the carboxylic function using a carbodiimide derivative. Thin layer chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to identify the new product. Fluorescent Nanocapsule aqueous suspensions were prepared by the solvent displacement method. Their pH values were 4.6 (NC-RS100), 3.5 (NC-S100), and 5.0 (LNC-PCL). The volume-weighted mean diameter (D4.3) and polydispersity values were 150 nm and 1.05 (NC-RS100), 350 nm and 2.28 (NC-S100), and 270 nm and 1.67 (LNC-PCL). The mean diameters determined by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) (z-average) were around 200 nm. The zeta potential values were +5.85 mV (NC-RS100), -21.12 mV (NC-S100), and -19.25 mV (LNC-PCL). The wavelengths of maximum fluorescence emission were 567 nm (NC-RS100 and LNC-PCL) and 574 nm (NC-S100). Fluorescence microscopy was used to evaluate the cell uptake (human macrophage cell line) of the fluorescent Nanocapsules in order to show the applicability of the approach. When the cells were treated with the fluorescent Nanocapsules, red emission was detected around the cell nucleus. We demonstrated that the rhodamine B-conjugated triglyceride is a promising new material to obtain versatile dye-labeled nanocarriers presenting different chemical nature in their surfaces.

  • An algorithm to determine the mechanism of drug distribution in lipid-core Nanocapsule formulations
    Soft Matter, 2013
    Co-Authors: Catiúscia P. Oliveira, Cristina G. Venturini, Bruna Donida, Fernanda S. Poletto, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres, Adriana Raffin Pohlmann
    Abstract:

    Aqueous solutions of lipid-core Nanocapsules are interesting drug delivery systems for passive drug targeting. In this study, we hypothesized that the drug distribution mechanisms in lipid-core Nanocapsule formulations could be categorized into six different types. To experimentally determine the type of drug distribution in these formulations, we proposed the use of an algorithm as an innovative strategy. The approach is shown to be a valuable tool to optimize and select formulations intended for drug delivery. The best physico-chemical parameter in terms of predicting the type of distribution was the log D value. In conclusion, the use of the algorithm developed in this study represents a simple and rapid approach through which it was possible to experimentally determine the drug distribution in colloidal formulations for eight drug models.

Mikhail V. Suyetin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Guided Carbon Nanocapsules for Hydrogen Storage
    Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mikhail V. Suyetin, Alexander V. Vakhrushev
    Abstract:

    The storage of hydrogen in the condensed state in high-pressure vessels is dangerous, and it is impossible to store a large amount of hydrogen using adsorbents in normal ambient conditions. In order to overcome these problems, we designed a Nanocapsule and investigated it with the help of the molecular dynamics simulation. The Nanocapsule combines the advantages of a high-pressure vessel and adsorbents, namely a large hydrogen mass content and safe keeping. The Nanocapsule is a system of combined nanotubes. Its outlet is closed by a positively charged endohedral complex K@C601+. The outlet opening and closing by the K@C601+ ion are induced by the action of an electric field. The processes taking place during the hydrogen adsorption, storage, and desorption from the Nanocapsule are analyzed, and the value of the electric field intensity required for transferring the K@C601+ ion into the Nanocapsule is determined. The Nanocapsule discussed can retain more than 6 wt % of hydrogen under normal conditions and ...

  • Nanocapsule with pump for methane storage
    Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mikhail V. Suyetin, Alexander V. Vakhrushev
    Abstract:

    A Nanocapsule for high-effective methane storage is investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. Methane molecules are pumped into a Nanocapsule via pumping and locking chambers by the K@C(60)(1+) ions moved by the electric field. When such a technique is used, the methane weight content in the Nanocapsule reaches 36.4 wt%. At the methane storage stage the external thermodynamic conditions are normal. This paper presents the analysis of the processes taking place during the Nanocapsule charging with methane, its storage and desorption.

  • Temperature-sensitive Nanocapsule for drug delivery
    Micro & Nano Letters, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mikhail V. Suyetin, Alexander V. Vakhrushev
    Abstract:

    One of the most important applications of nanotechnology is to discover systems for targeted delivery of drugs, that is, designing Nanocapsules (nanocontainers). Such Nanocapsules have to take effect only in strictly localised areas to avoid drug action on healthy cells. The processes of doxorubicin storage and ejection by the carbon Nanocapsule for drug delivery are studied by the method of molecular dynamics. The Nanocapsule discussed consists of different nanotubes: (40,40), (10,10), (20,20) and (15,15) joint with each other by pentagonal and heptagonal rings. Nanocapsule stores doxorubicin molecule at normal human body temperature - 309.75K (36.6°C). The doxorubicin molecule is ejected owing to heating and further expansion of the gas inside the Nanocapsule. The gas pushes the fullerene-piston, which ejects the doxorubicin molecule out of the Nanocapsule. The temperature required for doxorubicin ejection is 316.75K (43.6°C). The temperature elevation can be reached with infrared radiation. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

  • Temperature-sensitive Nanocapsule for drug delivery
    Micro & Nano Letters, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mikhail V. Suyetin, Alexander V. Vakhrushev
    Abstract:

    One of the most important applications of nanotechnology is to discover systems for targeted delivery of drugs, that is, designing Nanocapsules (nanocontainers). Such Nanocapsules have to take effect only in strictly localised areas to avoid drug action on healthy cells. The processes of doxorubicin storage and ejection by the carbon Nanocapsule for drug delivery are studied by the method of molecular dynamics. The Nanocapsule discussed consists of different nanotubes: (40,40), (10,10), (20,20) and (15,15) joint with each other by pentagonal and heptagonal rings. Nanocapsule stores doxorubicin molecule at normal human body temperature - 309.75-K (36.6-C). The doxorubicin molecule is ejected owing to heating and further expansion of the gas inside the Nanocapsule. The gas pushes the fullerene-piston, which ejects the doxorubicin molecule out of the Nanocapsule. The temperature required for doxorubicin ejection is 316.75-K (43.6-C). The temperature elevation can be reached with infrared radiation.

  • Methane storage in bottle-like Nanocapsules
    Nanotechnology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Alexander V. Vakhrushev, Mikhail V. Suyetin
    Abstract:

    Because the traditional storage of methane in the condensed state in high-pressure vessels is rather dangerous, and to store a large amount of gas using adsorbents is impossible at normal ambient conditions, we have developed a Nanocapsule, which combines the advantages of a high-pressure vessel and adsorbents—a large methane mass content and safe-keeping. A Nanocapsule is a system of combined nanotubes forming bottle-like pores, the entrance to which is closed by a positively charged endohedral complex (K@C60) with the help of an electric field. In normal ambient conditions, the Nanocapsule can retain the amount of methane adsorbed under charging conditions. The processes taking place during the storage of methane and the methane desorption from the Nanocapsule are analysed and the value of the electric field intensity necessary for the transfer of the K@C60 in the Nanocapsule is determined. The Nanocapsule discussed can retain ~17.5 mass% of methane at an internal pressure of 10 MPa and a temperature of 300 K.

Pierfrancesco Cerruti - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Essential oils as solvents and core materials for the preparation of photo-responsive polymer Nanocapsules
    Nano Research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Valentina Marturano, M. Giamberini, Adriana De Luise, Veronica Ambrogi, Anna Calarco, Bartosz Tylkowski, Valentina Bizzarro, Pierfrancesco Cerruti
    Abstract:

    Light-triggered release of active ingredients from polymeric nanosized capsules can be employed in a wide range of applications, such as biomedicine, active packaging, and cosmetics. However, the preparation of core-shell polymeric nanocarriers typically involves the use of toxic organic solvents. To improve the sustainability and safety of Nanocapsule applications, we demonstrate that natural essential oils can be used both as solvent and active material in light-responsive Nanocapsules synthesized via miniemulsion polycondensation. The documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity of essential oils enables the design of multipurpose light-responsive delivery platforms. The photo-responsive behavior of the capsules, achieved by means of photochromic azobenzene segments embedded in the capsule shell, is triggered by UV light irradiation (λmax = 360 nm). Light-induced release kinetics of the essential oils and a fluorescent probe molecule, coumarin-6, is evaluated via UV-vis spectroscopy and spectrofluorimetry, respectively, demonstrating the efficiency and reliability of the release mechanism. Biological tests prove that the capsules are non-cytotoxic and readily internalized by cells, indicating the suitability of these smart nanocarriers for biological applications.

  • Photo-responsive Polymer Nanocapsules
    Polymer, 2015
    Co-Authors: Valentina Marturano, M. Giamberini, Bartosz Tylkowski, Pierfrancesco Cerruti, Cosimo Carfagna, Veronica Ambrogi
    Abstract:

    This work reports on the preparation of UV-light responsive Nanocapsules based on cross-linked polyamide, obtained by miniemulsion interfacial polymerization. The photo-triggered E-Z transition of azobenzene moieties of the polymer backbone enabled controlled release of encapsulated molecules. Appropriate selection of emulsion conditions allowed tailoring size distribution of the resulting Nanocapsules. The light responsiveness of the Nanocapsule systems has been evaluated by monitoring size change and release of a fluorescent probe upon UV irradiation, and an unambiguous relationship between capsule size and release kinetics has been highlighted. In particular, the smaller the capsule size, the faster the achieved release. Therefore, the photoresponsiveness of the nanosized capsule systems can be modulated by a proper selection of emulsion and processing parameters. The significance of the reported results lies in the size control of the encapsulating particles, which in turn enables to tailor their swelling kinetics, and to precisely design light-controlled release systems.