Electrochemically controlled cleavage of imine bonds on a graphene platform: towards new electro-responsive hybrids for drug release

Abstract

Graphene-based materials are particularly suitable platforms for the development of new systems able to release drugs upon the application of controlled electrochemical stimuli. Herein, we report a new electro-responsive graphene carrier functionalised with aldehydes (as drug models) through imine-based linkers. We explore a new type of drug loading/release combination based on the formation of a covalent bond and its cleavage upon electrolysis. The new graphene–drug model hybrid is stable under physiological conditions and displays a fast drug release upon the application of low voltages.