The effect of carbon nanotubes on drug delivery in an electro-sensitive transdermal drug delivery system

An electro-sensitive transdermal drug delivery system was prepared by the electrospinning method to control drug release. A semi-interpenetrating polymer network was prepared as the matrix with polyethylene oxide and pentaerythritol triacrylate polymers. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were used as an additive to increase the electrical sensitivity. The release experiment was carried out under different electric voltage conditions. Carbon nanotubes were observed in the middle of the electrospun fibers by SEM and TEM. The amount of released drug was effectively increased with higher applied electric voltages. These results were attributed to the excellent electrical conductivity of the carbon additive. The suggested mechanism of drug release involves polyethylene oxide of the semi-interpenetrating polymer network being dissolved under the effects of carbon nanotubes, thereby releasing the drug. The effects of the electro-sensitive transdermal drug delivery system were enhanced by the carbon nanotubes. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.