Graphene-based electroresponsive scaffolds as polymeric implants for on-demand drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Stimuli-responsive biomaterials are crucial for advanced drug delivery systems.
• Conventional porous scaffolds often exhibit uncontrolled drug release due to diffusion and degradation.
• On-demand drug release via external triggers remains a significant challenge in implantable devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize novel graphene hydrogel hybrid electroactive scaffolds.
• To demonstrate controlled, pulsatile small molecule release from these scaffolds using electrical stimulation.
• To investigate the role of graphene's thermal properties in preventing adverse heating effects.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of pristine ball-milled graphene sheets into a 3D macroporous hydrogel matrix.
• Fabrication of hybrid gels with enhanced mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.
• Evaluation of drug release profiles under varying electrical voltage applications and in vivo testing.

Main Results:

• The electroactive scaffolds demonstrated controlled, pulsatile drug release upon electrical stimulation (ON/OFF) at low graphene concentrations (0.2 mg mL(-1)).
• Structural integrity of the scaffolds was maintained during the release process.
• In vivo studies confirmed drug release without detrimental resistive heating, highlighting graphene's heat dissipation benefits.

Conclusions:

• Graphene hydrogel hybrid scaffolds offer a promising platform for on-demand, electroresponsive drug delivery.
• The unique heat-dissipating properties of graphene are advantageous for designing functional electroactive hydrogels.
• These findings advance the development of smart polymeric implants for targeted therapeutic applications.