Biomimetic self-assembly of calcium phosphate templated by PNIPAAm nanogels for sustained smart drug delivery

Abstract

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/calcium phosphate (CaP) hybrid nanocomposites with dual-responsive controlled drug delivery property have been prepared by in-situ biomineralization process. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is used as a crystal growth additive to control the morphology of the hybrid nanocomposites. The interaction between PAA and Ca²⁺ contributes to the formation of homogeneous and robust nanocomposites. Vitamin B₂ release behavior is found to be pH- and thermal-responsive. Additionally, the release profiles are sustained with the introduction of CaP, indicating that CaP nanocrystallines could decrease the permeation of the encapsulated drug effectively. The results suggest that the prepared hybrid nanocomposites can be used as “smart” nanoscale materials for sustained dual-responsive drug delivery.