Hollow polyaniline and indomethacin composite microspheres for controlled indomethacin release

Abstract

Composite hollow microspheres consisting of polyaniline (PANI) and indomethacin (IND) are prepared through a self-assembly process in a mixed methanol/water solutions. Different volume fractions of methanol to water and different aniline concentrations are investigated to obtain the optimal conditions for the formation of PANI/IND composite hollow microspheres. The morphologies of the PANI/IND composites are characterized, showing the inner hollow center of the microspheres. Spectroscopic characterizations reveal that the synthesized materials have many typical features of chemically synthesized PANI and confirm the presence of IND in the composites. A controlled release of IND is achieved by adjusting the pH value of the buffer solution. Composite hollow microspheres consisting of polyaniline (PANI) and indomethacin (IND) are prepared through a self-assembly process in a mixed methanol/water solution. Different volume fractions of methanol to water and different aniline concentrations are investigated to obtain the optimal conditions for the formation of PANI/IND composite hollow microspheres. The morphologies are characterized, showing the inner hollow center of the microspheres. A controlled release of IND is achieved by adjusting the pH value of the buffer solution. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.