Electrically controlled drug delivery system using polyelectrolyte gels

Electrically stimulated drug delivery systems using polyelectrolyte gel and microparticles are experimentally demonstrated and it was found that bioactive materials, such as pilocarpine hydrochloride, glucose and insulin, are successfully released from the gel by switching the electric field alternately on and off.

Abstract

Electrically stimulated drug delivery systems using polyelectrolyte gel and microparticles are experimentally demonstrated. The principle of the systems is based on the chemomechanical shrinking and swelling of polymer gels under an electric field. It was found that bioactive materials, such as pilocarpine hydrochloride, glucose and insulin, are successfully released from the gel by switching the electric field alternately on and off. The release mechanism of these compounds is briefly discussed.