Graphene Oxide-Based Multi-Component Antimicrobial Hydrogels

Graphene oxide (GO)-based hydrogel composed of magnesium oxide (MgO) and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is synthesized. GO in the hydrogel plays two roles; gelator by self-assembling and carrier for MgO and PVP-I. MgO particles act as crosslinking initiators and fillers that increase the cohesion and adhesion strengths of the hydrogels. Besides, MgO promotes antibacterial activities and regulates cellular activities over the lifetime of the hydrogel. In addition, PVP-I slowly releases free iodine from the hydrogel, exhibiting germicidal activity over time. A combination of GO, MgO, and PVP-I in the hydrogel exhibit improved electrical conductivity, fluid uptake ability, water retention capacity, water vapor transmission rate, and integrity value. Furthermore, the hydrogel has shown antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings are unique and indicate that GO-based hydrogel could be a promising material for biomedical application, especially for the treatment of pathological and surgical wounds.