Electrochemically assisted deposition of biodegradable polymer nanoparticles/sol-gel thin films

Biodegradable nanoparticles represent a promising platform for controlled release and other applications in medicine. To alter the interface of the medical device with the living tissue successfully, a thin coating needs to be applied onto the surface. The traits and functionality of the coating depends on its components, which in the presented work are sol-gel and biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) deposited onto the substrate using the electrochemical sol-gel method. Aspects affecting the deposition process were investigated such as the applied potential and its duration. The properties of the deposits with emphasis on the biodegradable NPs within the deposited films were characterized and studied. Another element examined was the loading ability of the NPs. A fluorescent organic molecule was incorporated in the biodegradable NPs as a drug model, to demonstrate loading capability.