Graphene-Polymer Nanocomposites for Drug Delivery Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 04 | Page : 362 374
    By

    Patil S.J.,

  • G.D. Gawande,

  • Yogesh Khairnar,

  • Mahesh Sharma,

  • Mahadev Kalyanrao Patil,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Karad, Maharshtra, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Technology, Pimpri, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  4. Associate Professor, Arya College of Pharmacy, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Applications, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

Graphene-polymer nanocomposites (GPNCs) have gained significant attention in drug delivery due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, including high surface area, mechanical strength, tunable functionality, and biocompatibility. These nanocomposites integrate graphene derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), with biocompatible polymers to enhance drug loading efficiency, stability, and controlled release. Various natural (chitosan, alginate) and synthetic (PLGA, PEG, PCL) polymers are used to functionalize graphene, enabling targeted and sustained drug delivery. The synthesis of GPNCs involves in situ polymerization, solution blending, and functionalization techniques to achieve optimal dispersion and interaction between graphene and the polymer matrix. Drug loading and release mechanisms include diffusion-controlled, pH-responsive, and stimuli-triggered release (thermal, magnetic, or light). These properties make GPNCs suitable for various biomedical applications, including cancer therapy, antibiotic delivery, gene therapy, and neurological drug delivery. Despite their advantages, challenges such as biocompatibility, potential toxicity, scalability, and regulatory hurdles remain significant barriers to clinical translation. Future research should focus on developing hybrid nanocomposites, incorporating biosensors for real-time monitoring, and optimizing patient-specific drug delivery systems through artificial intelligence. This paper provides a comprehensive review of graphene-polymer nanocomposites in drug delivery, covering their synthesis, functionalization, drug release mechanisms, biomedical applications, and future perspectives. The continued advancement of GPNCs holds immense potential to revolutionize drug delivery, offering precise, efficient, and personalized treatment solutions while addressing the challenges of conventional drug administration systems.

Keywords: Graphene, polymer nanocomposites, graphene oxide, biocompatibility, targeted therapy, drug loading, graphene reduction, drug encapsulation, nanomedicine, nanostructures.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Patil S.J., G.D. Gawande, Yogesh Khairnar, Mahesh Sharma, Mahadev Kalyanrao Patil. Graphene-Polymer Nanocomposites for Drug Delivery Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):362-374.
How to cite this URL:
Patil S.J., G.D. Gawande, Yogesh Khairnar, Mahesh Sharma, Mahadev Kalyanrao Patil. Graphene-Polymer Nanocomposites for Drug Delivery Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):362-374. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=211782


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 04
Received 20/03/2025
Accepted 19/05/2025
Published 05/06/2025
Publication Time 77 Days
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