Temperature-Sensitive Monoolein Cubic Phase

Monoolein(MO) cubic phases were prepared by hydrating MO using the final concentrations of 4.7% sodium salicylate solution and 0.6% PNIPAM solution so that the content of aqueous phase in the water channel of cubic phase is 30 wt.%. PNIPAM has LCST. Below LCST, the expanded PNIPAM would close the water channel of cubic, resulting in a lower release rate. Above LCST, the thermally contracted polymer would open the water channel, resulting in a higher release rate. For release, distilled water was layered over the cubic phases and they were stirred at 20 and 40°C. Difference in the release was observed whichever the cubic phase contains the polymer or not. Also the release is dependent of the temperature.