A cross-linking graphene oxide–polyethyleneimine hybrid film containing ciprofloxacin: one-step preparation, controlled drug release and antibacterial performance

Abstract

A novel drug delivery system based on a graphene oxide film cross-linked by polyethyleneimine was prepared via a one-step preparation technique. Due to cross-linking, the stability of the film was significantly improved compared with the bare graphene oxide film and an extra drug-loading site was endowed to the film by PEI. The release behavior of ciprofloxacin, as a model drug, was investigated under various pH values in vitro, and the results exhibited slow drug release without an initial burst effect. Release kinetic models were employed to represent the drug release processes, and the release behavior of ciprofloxacin of the resulting cross-linking film was consistent with near zero-order kinetics. In comparison to a graphene oxide–polyethyleneimine hybrid film, the ciprofloxacin loaded hybrid film exhibited a significant antibacterial effect due to the ciprofloxacin release and diffusion from the film. This study provides insight into the design of suitable cross-linking GO hybrid films for biomedical field and many other applications.