Photo-Controlled Release of Zinc Metal Ions by Spiropyran Receptors Anchored to Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Light controllable release of antinflammatory zinc ions by a smart multifunctional material composed of spiropyrans and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is demonstrated. The exploitation of a number of complementary characterization techniques allows the investigation of both composition and performance of the multifunctional SP/SWNT nanomaterial developed. Moreover, its suitability for potential applications in bio-systems is suggested by the effective removal of the metal catalyst and the introduction of biocompatible linkers into the SP/SWNT material. The realization of potential photo controllable SP/SWNTs based drug delivery systems (DDSs) is envisaged, where nanotubes act as intracellular carriers of light modulated receptors for bioactive agents. This journal is © the Owner Societies 2012.

Silvia Giordani

Full Professor Chair of Nanomaterials

My research interests are in the design, synthesis, and characterization of hybrid smart nanomaterials for biomedical, energy and environmental applications