Poly(L-lactic acid)/polypyrrole(ATP)/magnesium composites for controlled drug release based on a galvanic cell

Taking drug orally is the most common method to treat chronic disease because it is less expensive and more convenient. However, the drug delivered by this route may be destroyed or cannot maintain the proper concentration to treat disease. This study develops poly(L-lactic acid)/polypyrrole(ATP)/magnesium (PLLA/PPy(ATP)/Mg) composite which is employed as a drug release system based on a galvanic cell. The PLLA/PPy(ATP)/Mg composite is synthesized by chemical polymerization which is efficient to prepare and suitable for large-scale production. The ATP release experiment indicates the system can release drug without electrical stimulation and the drug release rate can be controlled by adjusting the amount of Mg particles in a suitable range. The co-culture experiment with MC3T3-E1 cells reveals the composite membrane has little cytotoxicity. The present PLLA/PPy(ATP)/Mg composite possesses good conductivity, mechanical properties, biocompatibility and stability so that it can be applied in medical field in the future.