Self-assembled graphene oxide-gelatin nanocomposite hydrogels: Characterization, formation mechanisms, and pH-sensitive drug release behavior

Yongzhe Piao, Biqiong Chen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

67 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Novel physically crosslinked graphene oxide (GO)-gelatin nanocomposite hydrogels were obtained by self-assembly. The hydrogels with various ratios of GO to gelatin were prepared, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The static and dynamic rheological properties of the hydrogels were investigated, along with the underlying hydrogel formation mechanisms. The storage modulus of the hydrogels (containing 98-98.5 wt % water) reached 114.5 kPa, owing to the relatively strong physical bonding (i.e., hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces) between GO and gelatin. Drug release tests showed that the drug release from the hydrogel was pH-dependent, with 96% of the model drug released in a neutral environment, compared to 28% released in an acidic medium. These hydrogels could have potential in pH-sensitive drug delivery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)356-367
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Polymer Science, Part B: Polymer Physics
Volume53
Issue number5
Early online date24 Nov 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Mar 2015

Keywords

  • Drug delivery
  • Gelatin
  • Graphene oxide
  • Hydrogel
  • Rheology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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