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Carbon‐Nanotube‐Based Stimuli‐Responsive Controlled‐Release System
Author(s) -
Chen Xuecheng,
Chen Hongmin,
Tripisciano Carla,
Jedrzejewska Anna,
Rümmeli Mark H.,
Klingeler Rüdiger,
Kalenczuk Ryszard J.,
Chu Paul K.,
BorowiakPalen Ewa
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.201003355
Subject(s) - carbon nanotube , nanotechnology , nanotube , materials science , biophysics , biology
A stimuli‐responsive controlled‐release delivery system based on carbon nanotubes is demonstrated. Through TEM, FTIR spectroscopic, and thermogravimetric analysis, functional groups have been successfully attached to the open ends of the tubes, thereby enabling functionalized silica spheres to preferentially attach to the ends. This, in essence, plugs the ends of the tube. Controlling release of encapsulated materials within the tubes is illustrated by fluorescein‐filled carbon nanotubes. The discharge process can be triggered by exposure to 1,4‐dithiothreitol (DTT) or at elevated temperature. Moreover, both triggering systems, DTT and temperature, provide rate of release control through increased DTT concentration or temperature choice, respectively. This delivery system paves the way for the development of a new generation of site‐selective, controlled‐release, drug‐delivery systems, and interactive nanosensor devices.