Magnetic Graphene Quantum Dot/Chitosan Bionanocomposite Hydrogel Beads for Drug Delivery System: Synthesis and Application

Hypothesis: In recent years, scientists and researchers have been looking for new and advanced materials for use in various fields, including drug delivery and biotechnology. One of the attractive  materials that has been considered in this field is chitosan-based bionanocomposite hydrogel beads. Chitosan-based bionanocomposite hydrogel beads have attracted attention as carriers in drug delivery systems due to their inherent properties such as excellent biocompatibility, high swelling, and high storage capacities.
Methods: First graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were prepared by the pyrolysis method, and then their magnetic properties were obtained using iron nanoparticles (MGQD). Next they were coated with chitosan hydrogel (CS-MGQD) and finally loaded with methotrexate (MTX/CS-MGQD). This unique combination of the properties of chitosan hydrogel, the magnetic properties of graphene quantum dots, and the ability to adjust drug release has been able to create an important milestone in the field of drug delivery research and the compatibility of drugs with the biological environment. Through various analyses, including FTIR to analyze the spectra of the functional groups, XRD to identify the crystal structure, and SEM to examine the morphology of the samples, the success of the synthesis and formation of the desired compound was confirmed.
Findings: The fabricated CS and CS-MGQD hydrogel beads were loaded with about 84% and 64% MTX, respectively. The results of the swelling behavior and drug release behavior showed that the hydrogel beads experience pH-dependent swelling and release of MTX. In addition, investigating the effect of MGQD concentration on swelling behavior and drug release showed that CS-MGQD has favorable stability and controllable drug release in an acid environment. Also, the Weibull kinetic model was found to be the best-fitting model for the release of MTX from CS-MGQD at pH 5. These findings suggest that the prepared magnetic bionanocomposite hydrogel beads have a good potential for pH-sensitive implantable drug delivery in the treatment of cancerous tissue.