Alginate electrodeposition onto three-dimensional porous Co-Ni films as drug delivery platforms

Abstract

Three-dimensional porous Co–Ni films/alginate hybrid materials have been successfully prepared by electrodeposition to be used as a steerable magnetic device for drug delivery. Firstly, 3D porous Co–Ni films were prepared as substrates for the subsequent electrodeposition of the alginate biopolymer. Cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic and potentiostatic studies were performed to establish the best conditions to obtain porous Co–Ni films. The electrochemical experiments were carried out in an electrolyte containing the metal salts and ammonium chloride at low pHs. In a second stage, the electrochemical deposition of alginate as a biocompatible polymer drug delivery carrier was performed. The characteristics of the alginate matrix were investigated in terms of electrochemical properties, morphology and drug release. The hybrid material obtained showed soft-magnetic behavior and drug release indicating its suitability to be used as a steerable magnetic drug delivery device.