In situ gelation and sustained release of an antitumor drug by graphene oxide nanosheets

Graphene oxide nanosheets were used to induce the in situ gelation of doxorubicin hydrochloride as an antitumor drug. When a very small amount of the graphene oxide was introduced into an aqueous solution of doxorubicin hydrochloride at room temperature, a strong and thixotropic gel was rapidly formed without any polymers or chemical additives. The gelation mechanism was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The encapsulated doxorubicin hydrochloride was found to show sustained release and antitumor efficacy. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.