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- ItemRelease 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, GiuseppeTo 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»ππ΄βπΊπ) and radical polymerization (chemical method, π»πΆπ΄βπΊπ). Formulations were optimized to maximize the GO content (2.0 and 1.15% for π»ππ΄βπΊπ and π»πΆπ΄βπΊπ, 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»πΆπ΄βπΊπ and a marked pH responsivity due to the COOH functionalities. Moreover, the application of external voltages modified the water affinity of π»πΆπ΄βπΊπ, while they accelerated the degradation of π»ππ΄βπΊπ 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»πΆπ΄βπΊπ.