Dual Stimuli Responsive Gelatin-CNT Hybrid Films as a Versatile Tool for the Delivery of Anionic Drugs

Hybrid hydrogel films able to modulate the release of anionic species, ketoprofen (Ket) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), as a function of their molecular size are prepared by UV-induced polymerization of methacrylated gelatin in the presence of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT_COOH). The dual-stimuli responsive composites can modulate the release in response to the variation of temperature and the application of an external voltage. Drug release profiles, analyzed by mathematical models, show that different temperatures (25 and 45 °C) and applied voltages (0 and 36 V) have a different effect on the release of the two therapeutics. Ket release is enhanced at 45 °C (77% vs 22% at 25 °C) with the maximum value recorded when 36 V is applied (94%). An increase in the amount of released BSA is recorded at 45 °C (96% vs 50% at 25 °C), while the application of the external voltage reduces this value (39%).