Sonochemical Formation of Copper/Iron-modified Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Ketorolac Delivery

Abstract

A feasible sonochemical approach is described for the preparation of copper/iron-modified graphene oxide nanocomposites by using ultrasound (20 kHz, 18 W/cm2) in aqueous solution containing copper and iron ion precursors. Unique copper-, copper/iron- and iron-modified graphene oxide nanocomposites have a submicron size that is smaller than pristine GO and a higher surface area enriched with Cu2O, CuO, Fe2O3 of multiform phases (α-, β-, ε- or γ), FeO(OH) and sulfur- or carbon-containing compounds. These nanocomposites are sonochemically intercalated with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketorolac resulting in formation of nanoscale carriers. Ketorolac monotonically disintegrates from these nanoscale carriers in aqueous solution adjusted to pH from 1 to 8. The disintegration of ketorolac proceeds at a slower rate from the copper/iron-modified graphene oxide at increased pH, but at a faster rate from the iron-modified graphene oxide starting from acidic conditions.