Coating metals on cellulose–polypyrrole composites: A new route to self-powered drug delivery system

A self-powered drug delivery system based on cellulose–polypyrrole (PPy) composite film was developed. The cellulose–PPy composite film was prepared by deposition of drug-contained PPy film on the inner and outer surfaces of a porous cellulose film. After coating a thin layer of active metal such as magnesium on the one side of the composite film, the drug stored in the PPy film can be released autonomously upon exposure to the electrolyte solution. It was confirmed that the drug release from the system followed the galvanic cell mechanism. The amount of the drug released and the release rate of drug can be controlled by adjusting the thicknesses and types of the active metals, respectively. Since the cellulose film is biodegradable and the system obtained is flexible and lightweight, it is therefore expected that this drug delivery system can find in vivo applications.