Phase-Changeable Fatty Acid Available for Temperature-Regulated Drug Release

Abstract

This paper describes a mixture of fatty acids that is available for temperature-controlled release of drugs. The mixture consists of two fatty acids with different melting points. At a specific composition, the mixture represents a single melting point of 38-40 degrees C which is slightly above the normal human body temperature. To demonstrate its use in the temperature-regulated release, this study fabricates fatty acid-incorporated polymer fibers containing dye-loaded polymer particles in their core. Below the melting point of the mixture, it will be in a solid state to restrict the passing of dye loaded in the core whereas the dye can be released instantly through the generated pores at a temperature slightly higher than the melting point. The release profiles of the dye can be further manipulated by varying the amount of the mixture contained in the fibers and the composition of the mixture.