Biocompatible multilayer capsules engineered with a graphene oxide derivative: synthesis, characterization and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Graphene-based capsules offer potential in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and sensors.
• Integrating graphene into 3D structures is challenging due to poor stability in biological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate a graphene oxide derivative into biodegradable capsules using a layer-by-layer protocol.
• To investigate the morphological properties, porosity, and robustness of these hybrid capsules.
• To assess the biocompatibility and cellular uptake of the modified capsules.

Main Methods:

• Optimization of a layer-by-layer (LbL) protocol for capsule modification.
• Characterization of hybrid capsule morphology, porosity, and shell properties.
• In vitro studies on cellular uptake, intracellular localization, and biocompatibility with two cell lines.

Main Results:

• Graphene-modified capsules exhibited reduced porosity and shell thickness compared to pristine capsules.
• The hybrid capsules demonstrated enhanced stability against osmotic pressure and long-term colloidal stability.
• Successful cellular uptake and remarkable biocompatibility were observed in tested cell lines.

Conclusions:

• A facile LbL method enables the fabrication of robust, flexible, and biocompatible polymeric capsules incorporating graphene oxide derivatives.
• These novel hybrid capsules possess unique characteristics suitable for advanced biotechnological applications.
• The integration of graphene oxide derivatives enhances capsule stability and performance in biological environments.