Researchers at Boston University, USA, have developed superhydrophobic materials using biocompatible poly(ε-caprolactone) electrospun meshes containing poly(glycerol monostearate-co-ε-caprolactone), which trap pockets of air. These non-toxic materials can encapsulate a pharmaceutical drug and release it at a controlled rate. The specific rate of release is correlated with the removal of air from within the meshes as water gradually enters the pockets and displaces the gas.

Tests showed the materials could continuously release a model bioactive agent for more than 60 days, suggesting they might be used as long-term drug delivery systems.

• Superhydrophobic Materials for Tunable Drug Release: Using Displacement of Air To Control Delivery Rates,
  S. T. Yohe, Y. L. Colson, M. W. Grinstaff,
  J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012.
  DOI: 10.1021/ja211148a