In this review, Graphene in the context of its application in the drug delivery system will be analysed. Graphene was first isolated using mechanical exfoliation within the now famous ‘scotch-tape method’. The benzene-like structure of the hexagonal components of the lattice allows it to be thought of like a giant aromatic poly-molecule. Even without further functionalisation, this structure provides useful properties in the delivery method: aromatic molecules may bind to graphene through non-covalent interactions between carbon-rings and the large relative surface area of 2D geometry permits a single graphene flake to be decorated with a raft of different aromatic groups.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. HISTORY
3. STRUCTURE OF GRAPHENE
4. PROPERTIES OF GRAPHENE
4.1. Micromechanical Cleavage
4.2. Liquid Phase Exfoliation
4.3. Chemical Vapour Deposition
4.4. Chemical Methods
4.5. Mechanical Properties
4.6. Electrical Properties
5. APPLICATIONS OF GRAPHENE FOR REAL-TIME APPLICATIONS
5.1. Flexible Graphene Transistors
5.2.Graphene Sensors
5.3. Graphene for lithiumesulfur (LieS) battery
5.4. Graphene displays
5.5. Structural Composites
5.6. Catalysts Support
5.6. Polymer Masterbatches
5.7. Functional Inks
6.Use of Graphene for COVID
6.1. Graphene-based anti-viral surfaces and coatings
6.2.Graphene-based electrochemical biosensors
6.3. Graphene-based Field-effect Transistor for Biosensing
6.4. Graphene-based Piezoelectric Biosensors
6.5. Graphene based on Gene-editing Technology (CRISPR/Cas)
6.6. Multilayer Graphene Nanofoams
7. CONCLUSION AND CHALLENGES
8. WAY FORWARD
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This work aims to analyze the application of graphene within drug delivery systems by exploring its unique physical, mechanical, and electrical properties. The study investigates how graphene’s high surface area and structural characteristics can be leveraged to create efficient, biocompatible nanocarriers for targeted therapeutic delivery, while also examining its potential in diagnostic technologies like biosensors and protective coatings for fighting infectious diseases.
- Evolution of graphene production methods from historical techniques to modern industrial approaches.
- Comprehensive analysis of the electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties of graphene.
- Real-time applications including flexible transistors, energy storage, and functional inks.
- Innovative use of graphene-based materials in anti-viral surfaces and advanced diagnostic biosensors for COVID-19.
- Critical discussion on current challenges, specifically toxicity and the path toward safe biomedical implementation.
Excerpt from the Book
6.1. Graphene-based anti-viral surfaces and coatings
Unveiled in December 2019, a replacement fatal SAR-CoV-2 virus starts circulating among humans [57]. Transmission through sub-micron size respiratory droplets is that the common pathway for COVID-19 spread [58]. Moreover, an individual also can catch this virus by coming in touch with the contaminated objects or surfaces then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. A recent study reported the variable stability of the SAR-CoV-2 virus on different surfaces [59]. The SARS-CoV-2 is found to possess a better survival time on plastic (72 h) and chrome steel (48 h) surfaces compared to copper (4 h) and cardboard (24 h).
Moreover, the virus is confirmed to be more stable on smooth surfaces compared to rough surfaces like printing/tissue papers (3 h), wood (2 h), and cloths (2 h). Unfortunately, the detectable level of the virus is reported to be available on the external layer of the surgical masks even on day 7 [60]. Thus, contaminated high touch surfaces that provide high virus stability can enhance the probabilities of COVID-19 spread. In the present pandemic situation, where the COVID-19 cases are exponentially increasing each day globally, the development of efficient anti-SARS-CoV-2 protective surfaces/coatings can play a significant role in controlling the viral spread through high touch components, products, and systems. Graphene-based materials are explored extensively for his or her antimicrobial potentials [61,62].
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of graphene's unique 2D structure and sets the context for analyzing its use in drug delivery systems.
2. HISTORY: Outlines the discovery of graphene, the transition from mechanical exfoliation to industrial production methods like the Hummers method.
3. STRUCTURE OF GRAPHENE: Discusses the fundamental electronic bonding properties and the influence of layer count on graphene's characteristics.
4. PROPERTIES OF GRAPHENE: Details physical and chemical production techniques alongside an analysis of mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.
5. APPLICATIONS OF GRAPHENE FOR REAL-TIME APPLICATIONS: Explores practical uses in flexible electronics, battery technology, sensors, and functional ink formulations.
6.Use of Graphene for COVID: Focuses on the role of graphene-based materials in anti-viral surfaces, biosensing for virus detection, and advanced nanofoam filters for masks.
7. CONCLUSION AND CHALLENGES: Summarizes the biomedical potential of graphene while highlighting significant obstacles like long-term toxicity and scaling issues.
8. WAY FORWARD: Proposes future directions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research into safety, clearance mechanisms, and the expansion of therapeutic applications.
Keywords
Graphene, Drug Delivery, Nanotechnology, Scotch-tape Method, Mechanical Properties, Electrical Conductivity, Biosensors, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Antiviral Surfaces, Nanofoams, CRISPR/Cas, Toxicology, Biomedical Application, Material Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental purpose of this work?
The work explores the potential of graphene and its derivatives as transformative materials in biomedical applications, specifically focusing on drug delivery, diagnostic biosensing, and anti-viral protective coatings.
What are the primary fields of application discussed?
The key themes include material science, electronics, energy storage (batteries), diagnostic technology, and infectious disease control mechanisms.
What is the core research goal?
The objective is to evaluate how graphene's unique properties, such as high surface area and conductivity, can be optimized for real-world medical tasks while addressing safety and production challenges.
Which scientific methods are analyzed?
The text covers various production methods including the Scotch-tape method, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), liquid-phase exfoliation, and mechanical exfoliation, as well as analytical techniques for biosensing.
What is covered in the main section?
The main body treats the structure and properties of graphene, its application in electronics and batteries, and a deep dive into graphene-based tools designed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which keywords characterize this document?
Key terms include Graphene, Drug Delivery, Biosensors, SARS-CoV-2, Antiviral, Nanotechnology, and Biocompatibility.
How does graphene help in the detection of viruses?
Graphene is used to construct high-sensitivity biosensors, such as GFETs, which can detect viral particles or proteins at extremely low concentrations, providing faster and more economical alternatives to traditional PCR tests.
Why is graphene considered a promising material for face masks?
Multilayer graphene nanofoams offer a high surface area and controllable pore sizes (sub-100 nm), which potentially improve filtration efficacy for small viral particles compared to standard N-95 masks.
What are the major challenges for using graphene in medicine?
The primary challenges identified are the potential long-term toxicity of graphene-based nanomaterials and the lack of standardized, large-scale production methods for high-quality, bio-grade graphene.
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- Shraddha Dangwal (Autor:in), 2021, The Application of Graphene in Drug Delivery, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1153475
