Two types of nanoporous templates, nanoporous block copolymer membranes and anodized aluminum oxide membranes (AAO), have been widely used for new functional membranes for biomedical application. First, we prepared nanoporous templates by using thin films of mixtures of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) and PMMA homopolymers. The nanoporous films were found to be very effective for the filtration of human Rhinovirus type 14 (HRV 14), major pathogen of a common cold in humans, from the buffer solution.When the pore size was effectively controlled down to 6 nm, single file diffusion, namely, the constant drug release with time, was observed up to 2 months. Also, when we fabricated functionalized nanochannels by using carboxylic acid terminated PS-b-PMMA, the nanochannel wall could be effectively used for immobilization site for molecular recognition agents (MRAs). By using overhanging single-stranded DNA as MRAs, the DNA-functionalized nanochannels showed high resolution to detect a single-base mismatch as well as to discriminate single-mismatched sequence.Second, we prepared highly ordered AAO template with ultrahigh areal density and uniform pores.  Utilizing this AAO, we fabricated an electrically responsive nanoporous membrane based on polypyrrole doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonate anion. The pore size was acutated electrically depending on electrochemical state (oxidation vs reduction states). This smart membrane showed pulsatile (or on-demand) drug release by using fluorescently labeled protein as a model drug.

Nanoporous membranes based on hard and soft templates for biomedical applications

248th National Meeting (2014)

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