NIR-Light- and pH-Responsive Graphene Oxide Hybrid Cyclodextrin-Based Supramolecular Hydrogels.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Supramolecular hydrogels offer tunable properties for advanced applications.
• Graphene oxide (GO) enhances material properties through its unique structure and conductivity.
• Stimuli-responsive materials are crucial for controlled cargo delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a novel triple-responsive graphene oxide hybrid supramolecular hydrogel.
• To investigate the self-assembly mechanisms involving GO, quaternized polymers, and host-guest interactions.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's responsiveness to near-infrared (NIR) light, temperature, and pH for potential delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a quaternized polymer via quaternization of pH-sensitive poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and bromine end-capped poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG).
• Constructed the supramolecular hydrogel through electrostatic self-assembly between GO and the quaternized polymer, alongside host-guest inclusion between α-cyclodextrins and mPEG.
• Investigated the gel-sol transition triggered by temperature and NIR light absorption by GO.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel exhibited triple responsiveness to NIR light, temperature, and pH.
• GO acted as a cross-linking core and converted NIR light to heat, inducing a gel-sol transition.
• The host-guest inclusion system showed temperature-dependent solation above a specific temperature (Tgel-sol).

Conclusions:

• A novel GO-hybrid supramolecular hydrogel with triple responsiveness was successfully constructed.
• The material demonstrates potential for controlled cargo release due to its stimuli-responsive nature.
• This hydrogel holds significant promise for future applications in advanced delivery systems.