Graphene Oxide-based Gel as Potential Nanomaterial for Sustained Release of an Anticancer Drug

Abstract

A new graphene oxide-based gel comprised of mitoxantrone an anticancer drug and graphene oxide has been synthesized in water at room temperature. This gel-based soft material was formed due to the supramolecular interactions including hydrogen bonding, acid– base and p–p stacking. Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and rheological studies have been employed to characterize the gel. By introducing a small quantity of Ca2+ ions at room temperature, this hybrid gel can effectively facilitate the sustained and controlled release of mitoxantrone drug. The release of the drug molecules was checked and discussed using UV-visible spectroscopic analyses. With the advantages of this graphene oxide-based gel, the soft gel-based material could be a soft drug-releasing agent.