Lubricated Interfaces Enabling Simultaneous Pulsatile and Continuous Chemical Release Modes

The release of chemicals following either pulsatile or continuous release modes is important for various potential applications, including programmed chemical reactions, mechanical actuation, and treatments of various diseases. However, the simultaneous application of both modes in a single material system has been challenging. Here, two chemical loading methods are reported in a liquid-crystal-infused porous surface (LCIPS) that enables both a pulsatile and continuous release of chemicals simultaneously. Specifically, chemicals loaded in the porous substrate exhibit a liquid crystal (LC) mesophase-dependent continuous release, whereas the chemicals dissolved in micrometer-sized aqueous droplets dispersed in the LC surface follow a pulsatile release activated by a phase transition. Moreover, the loading method of distinct molecules can be controlled to program their release mode. Finally, the pulsatile and continuous release of two distinct bioactive small molecules, tetracycline and dexamethasone, are demonstrated which display antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities for applications such as chronic wound healing and biomedical implant coating.

Automated summary

A liquid-crystal-infused porous surface (LCIPS) is developed for simultaneous pulsatile and continuous release of chemicals. Two loading methods are employed, one for continuous release and the other for pulsatile release. The pulsatile and continuous release of two bioactive small molecules, tetracycline and dexamethasone, are demonstrated for potential applications in wound healing and biomedical implants.