Intelligent biomembrane obtained by irradiation techniques

An intelligent biomembrane for environment-responsive feedback releases has been developed using radiation techniques. Various fine-porous base membranes (polyester, polycarbonate, silicon) were prepared by hole fabrication techniques with excimer-laser, ion-beam etching and photo-lithography etching. Then, various monomeric mixture of stimuli-sensitive hydrogels with or without immobilized enzymes were coated and polymerized on the porous membrane by UV, gamma-ray or electron beam. The product showed the intelligent feedback release functions of model substance (methylene blue) in response to the on-off switching of signals such as pH changes and introduction of electric field. The responsiveness was remarkably improved by radiation induced IPN (interpenetrating polymer network) formation. Intelligent release controlled by a computer program was also studied and proved. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.