Electrospun Ag/PMA nanofibrous scaffolds as a drug delivery system

Polymers play a key-role in the drug delivery technology. They allow for the controlled release of therapeutic agents under an external stimulus if a sensitive segment is suitable in- corporated in the polymer matrix. Actually, polymer capsules containing noble metal nanostructures are regarded as promising light-responsive drug carriers. Among polymers, poly(methacrylic acid), PMA, offers manifold advantages: i) solubility in water, ii) coordination ability for Ag-Au nanoparti- cles, and iii) ability to act as capping agent. However, the preparation of Ag/PMA nanocolloids in- volves complex procedures the use of reagents with severe environmental impact.