Fabrication of template-synthesized uniform gel nanorods for responsive drug delivery applications

Abstract

Template synthesis offers a facile approach for 1D nanoparticle fabrication. A common platform utilized in template synthesis is nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane, due to its tunable properties involving pore dimension and depth. In this study, uniform gel nanorods (GNRs) were fabricated by using home-made AAO templates following an ultrasonication step after template removal. 2-aminoethylmethacrylate (AEM) was employed as an ingredient for the UV cross-linked gel. This monomer provides gel a pH-responsive release characteristic that was shown by methylene blue as model drug. The acid-triggered swelling of the gel matrix paves the way for GNRs as potential smart nanovehicles for anticancer applications. Graphic abstract