Stimuli-responsive graphene-based hydrogel driven by disruption of triazine hydrophobic interactions

Nanoscale. 2020 Apr 7;12(13):7072-7081. doi: 10.1039/c9nr10588c. Epub 2020 Mar 19.

Abstract

The study reported here concerns the preparation of a novel graphene-diaminotriazine (G-DAT) nanocomposite hydrogel for application in the drug delivery field. The hybrid nature of this material is founded on two key elements: the presence of the DAT backbone induced the formation of hydrophobic regions that allowed efficient loading of a series of drugs of increasing hydrophobicity (Metronidazole, Benzocaine, Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Imipramine), while simultaneously endowing swelling-induced pH-responsiveness to the hydrogel. Additionally, the incorporation of graphene was found to interfere with these hydrophobic domains through favourable non-covalent interactions, thus leading to the partial disruption of these aggregates. As a consequence, graphene facilitated and enhanced the release of model hydrophobic drug Imipramine in a synergistic manner with the pH trigger, and increased the swelling capacities and improved mechanical performance. This hybrid hydrogel can therefore be envisaged as a proof-of-concept system for the release of hydrophobic compounds in the field of drug delivery.

MeSH terms

  • Drug Carriers* / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers* / pharmacokinetics
  • Graphite* / chemistry
  • Graphite* / pharmacokinetics
  • Hydrogels* / chemistry
  • Hydrogels* / pharmacokinetics
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Imipramine* / chemistry
  • Imipramine* / pharmacokinetics
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Triazines* / chemistry
  • Triazines* / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Hydrogels
  • Triazines
  • Graphite
  • Imipramine