Adaptable nanoparticles as multifunction semi-transparent conductive films and drug delivery system

Abstract

Adaptable nanoparticles of reduced graphene oxide-curcumin as semi-transparent conductive films and graphene oxide-curcumin as drug delivery system (DDS) were evaluated. The reduced graphene oxide--curcumin nanoparticles showed outstanding organic semiconductor properties as semi-transparent conductive films (semi-TCFs). The optimum conditions for gaining maximum σdc/σop values of rGO-curcumin semi-TCFs were at pH = 11 in the absence of crosslinker, which may be a distinguished option in recent organic electronics. Moreover, the graphene-oxide-curcumin nanoparticles were used to increase water solubility of curcumin. Such nanoparticles could be used to deliver curcumin to delicate positions in human body. Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized from raw graphite, and characterized using attenuate total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray pattern (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA) for chemical structure, crystal structure and thermal stability, respectively. The successful exfoliation process of nanoparticles was also monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique. Pre-adjusted pH method was used at different pH values (i.e. pH = 4.0–7.4). Power law (ln/ln) constant values like diffusional exponent (n) and proportionality constant (k) demonstrated in-vitro Fickian diffusion mechanism. Successful drug delivery system (DDS) revealed maximum curcumin bioavailability of 97 % compared to 22 % curcumin alone. Conclusively, GO and rGO connected with curcumin could achieve adaptable and potential applications in medical and engineering sectors.