The positively charged polyethyleneimine (PEI) and the negatively charged cinnamic acid (CA) form conjugate by electrostatic interactions. Conjugates can form a self-assembly in aqueous phase because they exhibit amphipathic properties. Gold nanoparti...
The positively charged polyethyleneimine (PEI) and the negatively charged cinnamic acid (CA) form conjugate by electrostatic interactions. Conjugates can form a self-assembly in aqueous phase because they exhibit amphipathic properties. Gold nanoparticles (GNP) are known to generate heat due to near-infrared surface plasmon resonance. As the temperature increases, the PEI/CA self-assembly loses its amphipathic property and disintegrates as the solubility of CA (the hydrophobic molecule) increases. The near-infrared responsive drug delivery vehicle was prepared by loading GNP and PEI/CA selfassembly on cubic phase. The cubic phase consists of a lipid bilayer and water channel, and this structure was observed through a transmission electron microscope. The release profile of fluorescent dye loaded on cubic phase was observed under near-infrared irradiation.