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Author: Hampel, Silke Γ— Subject: graphene oxide Γ—

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    Release of Bioactive Molecules from Graphene Oxide-Alginate Hybrid Hydrogels: Effect of Crosslinking Method
    (Basel : MDPI, 2023) Madeo, Lorenzo Francesco; Curcio, Manuela; Iemma, Francesca; Nicoletta, Fiore Pasquale; Hampel, Silke; Cirillo, Giuseppe
    To investigate the influence of crosslinking methods on the releasing performance of hybrid hydrogels, we synthesized two systems consisting of Graphene oxide (GO) as a functional element and alginate as polymer counterpart by means of ionic gelation (physical method, π»π‘ƒπ΄βˆ’πΊπ‘‚) and radical polymerization (chemical method, π»πΆπ΄βˆ’πΊπ‘‚). Formulations were optimized to maximize the GO content (2.0 and 1.15% for π»π‘ƒπ΄βˆ’πΊπ‘‚ and π»πΆπ΄βˆ’πΊπ‘‚, respectively) and Curcumin (CUR) was loaded as a model drug at 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% (by weight). The physico-chemical characterization confirmed the homogeneous incorporation of GO within the polymer network and the enhanced thermal stability of hybrid vs. blank hydrogels. The determination of swelling profiles showed a higher swelling degree for π»πΆπ΄βˆ’πΊπ‘‚ and a marked pH responsivity due to the COOH functionalities. Moreover, the application of external voltages modified the water affinity of π»πΆπ΄βˆ’πΊπ‘‚, while they accelerated the degradation of π»π‘ƒπ΄βˆ’πΊπ‘‚ due to the disruption of the crosslinking points and the partial dissolution of alginate. The evaluation of release profiles, extensively analysed by the application of semi-empirical mathematical models, showed a sustained release from hybrid hydrogels, and the possibility to modulate the releasing amount and rate by electro-stimulation of π»πΆπ΄βˆ’πΊπ‘‚.
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    ZnO–Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Paclitaxel Delivery and Enhanced Toxicity in Breast Cancer Cells
    (Basel : MDPI, 2024) Madeo, Lorenzo Francesco; Schirmer, Christine; Cirillo, Giuseppe; Asha, Ayah Nader; Ghunaim, Rasha; Froeschke, Samuel; Wolf, Daniel; Curcio, Manuela; Tucci, Paola; Iemma, Francesca; BΓΌchner, Bernd; Hampel, Silke; Mertig, Michael
    A ZnO-Graphene oxide nanocomposite (Z-G) was prepared in order to exploit the biomedical features of each component in a single anticancer material. This was achieved by means of an environmentally friendly synthesis, taking place at a low temperature and without the involvement of toxic reagents. The product was physicochemically characterized. The ZnO-to-GO ratio was determined through thermogravimetric analysis, while scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to provide insight into the morphology of the nanocomposite. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, it was possible to confirm that the graphene flakes were homogeneously coated with ZnO. The crystallite size of the ZnO nanoparticles in the new composite was determined using X-ray powder diffraction. The capacity of Z-G to enhance the toxicity of the anticancer drug Paclitaxel towards breast cancer cells was assessed via a cell viability study, showing the remarkable anticancer activity of the obtained system. Such results support the potential use of Z-G as an anticancer agent in combination with a common chemotherapeutic like Paclitaxel, leading to new chemotherapeutic formulations.