Graphene oxide-enhanced sol-gel transition sensitivity and drug release performance of an amphiphilic copolymer-based nanocomposite

Sci Rep. 2016 Aug 19:6:31815. doi: 10.1038/srep31815.

Abstract

We report the fabrication of a highly sensitive amphiphilic copolymer-based nanocomposite incorporating with graphene oxide (GO), which exhibited a low-intensity UV light-triggered sol-gel transition. Non-cytotoxicity was observed for the composite gels after the GO incorporation. Of particular interest were the microchannels that were formed spontaneously within the GO-incorporated UV-gel, which expedited sustained drug release. Therefore, the present highly UV-sensitive, non-cytotoxic amphiphilic copolymer-based composites is expected to provide enhanced photothermal therapy and chemotherapy by means of GO's unique photothermal properties, as well as through efficient passive targeting resulting from the sol-gel transition characteristic of the copolymer-based system with improved sensitivity, which thus promises the enhanced treatment of patients with cancer and other diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / chemistry
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / pharmacology
  • Graphite* / chemistry
  • Graphite* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia, Induced / methods
  • Keratinocytes / cytology
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism*
  • Materials Testing*
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Phase Transition*
  • Phototherapy / methods
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Graphite