Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

(Problems) The object of the present invention is to provide an inverted-opal structure which is excellent in biodegradability, biocompatibility, and pH responsiveness, has specific light reflection property due to three-dimensionally-ordered-pores formed therein, is capable of releasing a drug autonomously and intermittently by responding rapidly to pH change, and is capable of measuring the drug-release associated with its biodegradation by an optical means rapidly in a simple and easy way; a method for manufacturing the inverted-opal structure; a medical implant comprising the inverted-opal structure; a method for enlarging the pore diameter; and a method for measuring the release-amount of a drug held in the inverted-opal structure.(Means for Solving Problems) The present invention provides a biodegradable inverted-opal structure comprising an aliphatic polyester; and a method for manufacturing a biodegradable inverted-opal structure, comprising the steps of: (1) producing a colloidal crystal from a silica particle or a polystyrene particle; (2) immersing the colloidal crystal in a solution including a monomer from which the aliphatic polyester is formed; (3) thermally-polymerizing the monomer under a pressurized condition in order to obtain a composition of the colloidal crystal coated with the aliphatic polyester; and (4) removing the silica particle from said composition by etching, or removing the polystyrene particle from said composition by eluting the polystyrene particle with an organic solvent in order to obtain the biodegradable inverted-opal structure.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim