Mechanically improved chitosan/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogel for sustained release of levofloxacin

This study introduces a novel chitosan/graphene oxide (CS/GO) nanocomposite hydrogel designed for the sustained release of levofloxacin. The hydrogel was synthesized using electrostatic interactions and chemical cross-linking, resulting in significant mechanical reinforcement (G' = 0.94 MPa, G" = 0.088 MPa) and homogeneous distribution of GO. It exhibited excellent swelling properties (1380 % at 0.05 wt% GO, 1070 % at 0.2 wt% GO at pH 2). Levofloxacin release was faster (∼95 % in 5 h) at 0.05 wt% GO and more sustained (∼97 % over 24 h) at 0.2 wt% GO. This hydrogel demonstrates potential as a robust platform for controlled drug delivery.