Graphene Oxide-Coated CuO Nanoparticles for Functionalization of Acetylsalicylic Acid and Diclofenac

Abstract

A single step ultrasonic method (20 kHz, 18 W/cm2) is demonstrated for the functionalization of pristine nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: acetylsalicylic acid and diclofenac with preformed graphene oxide-coated CuO nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are positively charged and have a flower-like morphology with a mean size < 340 nm consisting of a pure CuO phase. Ultrasound causes complexation of each drug with these nanoparticles and, as a consequence, new advanced pharmaceutical nanocomposites: acetylsalicylic acid-graphene oxide-coated CuO and diclofenac-graphene oxide-coated CuO are formed. The surface composition and electronic molecular structure of these nanocomposites is modified at pH from 1 to 8 through the specific interactions involving Cu-O, C-H and H-bond formation with the carboxylic and carbonyl groups of acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac and graphene oxide.