Monoolein cubic phases containing cinnamic acid, poly(ethyleneimine) and gold nanoparticle and their UV- and NIR-responsive release property.

UV and NIR-responsive monoolein cubic phase was prepared by including poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI)/cinnamic acid (CA) conjugate and gold nanoparticle (GNP) within its structure. UV irradiation elevated significantly the release % of Auramine O loaded in cubic phase containing PEI/CA, possibly because of the trans-to-cis isomerization of CA. NIR irradiation also increased significantly the release % of FITC-dextran loaded in cubic phase containing PEI/CA. The release % of the dye loaded in cubic phase containing PEI/CA and GNP was elevated more markedly by NIR irradiation, possibly due to the phase transition of cubic phase and the disassembling of PEI/CA assembly.