Regulation of drug release from polymer matrices by oscillating magnetic fields.

The reproducible regulation of release of a macromolecule (bovine serum albumin) from biocompatible polymer systems has been demonstrated. Small magnetic spheres or cylindrical magnets were embedded within the polymer matrix which was then subjected to an oscillating magnetic field. In this fashion baseline release rates could be increased 5- to 10-fold with 5-10% standard error. Parameters critical to the regulation of this release included the position, orientation, and magnetic strength of the embedded objects and the amplitude and frequency of the applied magnetic field. Scanning electronmicrographs of the polymer matrix surface reveal that a gap, approximately 100/microns wide, is formed between the embedded object and adjacent polymer material after repeated exposure to an oscillating magnetic field.