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Review
. 2023 Dec 9;9(12):967.
doi: 10.3390/gels9120967.

Graphene-Based Aerogels for Biomedical Application

Yeongsang Kim  1 , Rajkumar Patel  2 , Chandrashekhar V Kulkarni  3 , Madhumita Patel  4
Affiliations
Review

Graphene-Based Aerogels for Biomedical Application

Yeongsang Kim et al. Gels. .

Abstract

Aerogels are three-dimensional solid networks with incredibly low densities, high porosity, and large specific surface areas. These aerogels have both nanoscale and macroscopic interior structures. Combined with graphene, the aerogels show improved mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, surface area, and adsorption capacity, making them ideal for various biomedical applications. The graphene aerogel has a high drug-loading capacity due to its large surface area, and the porous structure enables controlled drug release over time. The presence of graphene makes it a suitable material for wound dressings, blood coagulation, and bilirubin adsorption. Additionally, graphene's conductivity can help in the electrical stimulation of cells for improved tissue regeneration, and it is also appropriate for biosensors. In this review, we discuss the preparation and advantages of graphene-based aerogels in wound dressings, drug delivery systems, bone regeneration, and biosensors.

Keywords: bilirubin adsorption; biosensor; drug delivery; graphene aerogel; hemostasis; wound healing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic showing sol–gel (A) and hydrothermal synthesis (B) of graphene-based aerogels [22,23].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Graphical representation of GO-PVA aerogel preparation and wound-healing application (A). Photograph and SEM image of GO-PVA aerogel (B) [16].
Figure 3
Figure 3
A schematic diagram illustrates the process of synthesizing GA, which is then stabilized on a dandelion head to create ultralight aerogels. GA aerogels were applied as histamine adsorbents in contaminated red wine samples and studied for potential use as wound healers [25].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic diagram of bilirubin adsorption from human blood using chitin/MXene (Ch/MX) composite aerogel [56].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Schematic representation for the fabrication of GA and DOX loading (A). In vitro DOX release profile at (neutral (pH~7.4) and acidic (pH~5.4)) for 5 days (B) [58].
Figure 6
Figure 6
Macroscopic and SEM images of the COL and 0.05/0.1/0.2 wt% GO–COL aerogel (A). Micro–CT imaging analysis of aerogels implanted into rat cranial bone defects. Coronal and sagittal CT reconstruction images 8 weeks and 12 weeks post-implantation (B). Scale bars in A: 100 μm [24].
Figure 7
Figure 7
Schematic illustration of the fabrication process for the CNTs/graphene/WC composite aerogel, along with a digital photo of the final product (A). The compressing and releasing process of the CNTs/graphene/ WPU/CNC is shown in photographs (B) [62].
Figure 8
Figure 8
A schematic illustration shows how NGCA-X and C-NGCA-X aerogels were made (A). NGCA-10 corresponds to 10,000 compression cycles at (a) 50% strain and (b) 80% strain (B) [65].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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