Polyvinyl-alcohol, chitosan and graphene-oxide composed conductive hydrogel for electrically controlled fluorescein sodium transdermal release

Abstract

Accurate and controlled release of drug molecules is crucial for transdermal drug delivery. Electricity, as an adjustable parameter, offers the potential for precise and controllable drug delivery. However, challenges exist in selecting the appropriate drug carrier, electrical parameters, and release model to achieve controlled electronic drug release. To overcome these challenges, this study designed a functional hydrogel using polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, and graphene oxide as components that can conduct electricity, and constructed a drug transdermal release model using fluorescein sodium salt with proper electrical parameters. The results demonstrated that the hydrogel system exhibited low cytotoxicity, good conductivity, and desirable drug delivery characteristics. The study also integrated the effects of drug release and tissue repair promotion under electrical stimulation. Cell growth was enhanced under low voltage direct current pulses, promoting cell migration and the release of VEGF and FGF. Furthermore, the permeability of fluorescein sodium salt in the hydrogel increased with direct current stimulation. These findings suggest that the carbohydrate polymers hydrogel could serve as a drug carrier for controlled release, and electrical stimulation offers new possibilities for functional drug delivery and transdermal therapy.