Synthesis and characterization of semi-conductive nanocomposite based on hydrolyzed collagen and in vitro electrically controlled drug release study

In this study, a semi-conductive nanocomposite for electrically controlled drug delivery is introduced. Hydrolyzed collagen known as a naturally abundant polypeptide was modified with polycaprolactone. This modification changed the mechanical properties of the hydrolyzed-collagen. A hydrogel compound was synthesized through radical co-polymerization of acrylic acid on the backbone of this biocompatible polymer in the presence of a crosslinker. The reaction parameters affecting the water absorbency of the hydrogel were optimized using Taguchi method. In situ polymerization of aniline, incorporated conductive nanofiber pathways throughout the hydrogel matrix. 1H NMR, TGA, AFM, SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis, cyclic voltammetry and conductivity measurements were used for the characterization of this system. Moreover, in vitro conductive-stimuli drug release of hydrocortisone as a model drug was investigated. MTT assay showed no cytotoxicity for the conductive and non-conductive hydrogels. Results suggest that this nanocomposite acts as an appropriate externally controlled drug delivery system that can be tailored to match physiological processes.