In the heart of Iran, researchers are pushing the boundaries of nanotechnology and drug delivery systems, with potential implications that could ripple through the energy sector. Mohammad Kazem Mohammadi, a chemist from the Islamic Azad University in Ahvaz, has been leading a team that’s exploring how graphene oxide can be used to deliver doxorubicin, a powerful chemotherapy drug. Their work, published in the journal ‘مواد نوین’ (translated to ‘New Materials’), could pave the way for innovative solutions in targeted drug delivery and beyond.
Graphene oxide, a derivative of graphene, is already renowned for its strength, flexibility, and conductivity. But Mohammadi and his team are harnessing its large surface area and biocompatibility to create a novel drug delivery system. “Graphene oxide’s unique properties make it an excellent candidate for drug immobilization,” Mohammadi explains. “We’ve shown that it can effectively carry and release doxorubicin, a drug commonly used to treat various types of cancer.”
The team’s process involves preparing graphene oxide from graphite using a modified Hummers method, then loading it with doxorubicin using ultrasonic irradiation. They’ve analyzed the immobilized drug using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results, according to Mohammadi, are promising. “The drug retains its properties when immobilized on graphene oxide, and we’ve seen significant interaction between the two,” he says.
But the team didn’t stop at experimental results. They also conducted in-silico studies to investigate the drug’s activity on macromolecules and the topoisomerase 2 enzyme, which plays a crucial role in cell division. Using Discovery Studio and AutoDock software, they performed docking studies to complement their experimental findings. The results revealed that the drug’s energy state and other thermodynamic parameters were favorable for its activity.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? While the immediate applications are in medicine, the principles behind this research could have far-reaching implications. Graphene oxide’s ability to carry and release substances could be harnessed for targeted delivery of catalysts in energy production processes, or for capturing and storing gases like carbon dioxide. Moreover, the in-silico studies could help predict and optimize these processes, making them more efficient and sustainable.
Mohammadi’s work is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research. By combining chemistry, nanotechnology, and computational biology, he and his team are not only advancing the field of drug delivery but also opening up new possibilities for the energy sector. As they continue to explore the potential of graphene oxide, one thing is clear: the future of energy could be shaped by the tiniest of particles.