Floating kappa carrageenan based hydrogel with graphene oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Incorporation of nanoparticles in drug vehicle has attracted much attention in the area of drug delivery application due to its unique properties. It is hypothesised graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles incorporation can provide excellent hydrogel properties with effective drug vehicle. In this work, GO nanoparticles are used in the formulation of floating hydrogel prepared using ?-carrageenan, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and calcium carbonates. Calcium carbonate is added as effervescent agents to promote the buoyancy effect. Floating hydrogel without GO nanoparticle and floating hydrogel with GO nanoparticle act as controls. The analyses were carried out on swelling degree, antibacterial study, floating properties and in vitro methylene blue released as modelled drug. The properties of drug carrier were analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), TGA and Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope (VPSEM). GO-loaded floating nanocomposite hydrogels showed significant effect on swelling ratio which is reduced more than 50% but did not much effect on kinetic reaction with acidic pH1.2 buffer solution. Antibacterial properties were proved based on positive result that inhibited spore growth within 96hours. In vitro released profile with additional 0.01% GO was slower (5.4%) compared to the controls. In summary, GO nanoparticles-loaded ?-carrageenan based floating nanocomposite hydrogel has a significant floating potential that could be used as prospective drug carrier in gastrointestinal tract.