Development of a Controlled Release System for Risperidone Using Polypyrrole: Mechanistic Studies

Polypyrrole (PPY) film has been selected as a platform material for drug delivery due to its inherent conductivity, ease of preparation and apparent biocompatibility. PPY films were prepared containing the antipsychotic drug risperidone as a model compound. Drug release profiles could be altered by applying different electrical stimulation to these films. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate changes in PPY film thickness when different stimuli were applied. The highest levels of drug release were observed when PPY was reduced, this was accompanied by expansion of the film. Technology such as this could be utilized for implantable drug delivery devices, where the dose could be adjusted by external signaling.