A galvanic cell driven controlled release system based on conducting polymers

A self-powered controlled release system is achieved via galvanic coupling of a conducting polymer and a zinc anode. Release of an anionic dye molecule, phenol red (PR), as the polymer is reduced is quantified. Triggered release using the galvanic cell is demonstrated in a freeze–thaw experiment when melting of the electrolyte completes the galvanic cell and enables oxidation/reduction to occur.