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Metformin, the primary therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), showed limitations such as varying absorption, rapid system clearance, required large amount, resistance, longstanding side effects. Use of Nano formulations for pharmaceuticals is emerging as a viable technique to reduce negative consequences of drug, while simultaneously attaining precise release and targeted distribution. This study developed a Polyethylene Glycol conjugated Graphene Oxide Quantum dots (GOQD-PEG) nanocomposite for the sustained release of metformin. Herein, we evaluated the effectiveness of metformin-loaded nanoconjugate in in vitro insulin resistance model. Results demonstrated drug loaded nanoconjugate successfully restored glucose uptake and reversed insulin resistance in in vitro conditions at reduced dosage compared to free metformin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising green biosensing material, nano-cerium oxide (CeO) decorated reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanohybrid reinforced chitosan (CS) nanocomposite has been synthesized as a transducer phase for the effective immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme. CeO nanoparticles were grown on the RGO nanosheet by facile hydrothermal treatment. The effective growth of synthesized nano-CeO on the RGO was evident from X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and Raman analysis. Morphological studies confirmed the effective immobilization of GOx on the chitosan nanocomposites modified FTO electrode. The electrocatalytic response of the GOx/nano-CeO-RGO/CS/FTO bioelectrode was investigated using electrochemical impedance and cyclic voltammetry studies. The obtained results indicate that as compared with bare CeO nanoparticles and RGO, the nano-CeO/RGO nanohybrid shows significant electrochemical activity and provides an adequate microenvironment for effective enzyme immobilization due to the excellent synergism between the CeO nanoparticles and RGO nanosheet. Graphical Abstract: Scheme 1: Schematic diagram of graphene nanohybrid reinforced Chitosan nanocomposite modified biosensing matrix.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report the development of a cross-linked bio-composite consisting of graphene oxide, potato starch, cross-linker glutaraldehyde and its application to adsorption of the industrial dye, methylene blue, from aqueous solution. The inexpensiveness, non-hazardous nature and easy bio-degradability are the major reasons for the selection of starch material as one of the components of the bio-composite. The bio-composite has been characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, particle size and zeta potential analysis. The FTIR analysis reveals the nature of the binding sites and surface morphology of the bio-composite can be understood through SEM. The auto-phase separability of the adsorbent i.e., the precipitation of the adsorbent without any mechanical means is another factor which makes this particular material very attractive as an adsorbent. Parameters like adsorbent dosage, pH, temperature, rotation speed and salt concentration have been varied to find out the suitable dye adsorption conditions. Furthermore, the time dependence of adsorption process has been analyzed using pseudo-first and pseudo-second order kinetics. The adsorption isotherms have been constructed to suggest convincing mechanistic pathway for this adsorption process. Finally, desorption studies have been successfully performed in 3 cycles, establishing the reusability of the material, which should allow the adsorbent to be economically promising for practical application in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanocomposite of activated carbon (AC) and graphene oxide (GO) has been used as adsorbent of methylene blue (MB) dye from solution. FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM imaging, size and zeta potential analysis of the nanocomposite material indicate retention of the essential features of both the components responsible for adsorption. Parameters like pH, temperature, adsorbent and salt concentrations, etc. were varied to optimize the adsorption. A very significant increase in adsorption by this nanocomposite, compared to those arising from the individual components, could be observed, resulting in an adsorption capacity of up to 1000 mg/gm. Fit of the data to kinetic equations gave rate constants for the process. Good fits to both Langmuir and Freundlisch isotherms indicated that the contribution of electrostatic attraction between the charged groups present in the composite and dye molecules, as well as the adsorption through AC surface pores both play significant roles. The synergy of these two different mechanisms yields the extraordinarily large adsorption capacity. This factor, together with the cheapness of the material, and its selectivity towards cationic dyes suggest its practical importance for water decontamination. Image 1 • Composite used as adsorbent involving graphene oxide (GO) and activated charcoal (AC). • Adsorption takes place through both the surface pores of AC and by electrostatic attraction from functional groups of GO. • Synergistic effects cause an increase in the adsorption capacity to 1000 mg/gm as compared to 180 mg/gm for AC. • Can adsorb cationic pollutants from a mixture of different components (neutral, anionic) and acts as a selective adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scheme of in-situ synthesis of graphene based SnO 2 nano composite. • Single step method using pressure cooker for the synthesis of RGO/SnO 2 nanocomposite. • The size of SnO 2 nanoparticles deposited on the graphene sheets is less than 10 nm. • DFT Calculations advocate a strong electronic interaction in RGO/SnO 2 nanocomposite. • RGO/SnO 2 nanocomposite showed high capacity and efficiency in optical applications. • The superior optical capability of RGO/SnO 2 (2) showed a strong PL Emission. Synthesis of graphene composites are ubiquitous, but efficient method of synthesis of graphene composites are rare. Herein, in this work we describe a single step method using pressure cooker for the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/SnO 2 nanocomposite using graphene oxide (GO) and tin chloride (SnCl 2 ·2H 2 O) as the starting materials. The RGO/SnO 2 nanocomposite was characterized by Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Photo Luminescence spectroscopy (PL). The size of the SnO 2 nanoparticles deposited on the graphene sheets is less than 10 nm. The obtained RGO/SnO 2 nanocomposite showed high capacity and excellent efficiency in optical applications. First principle calculations reveal that RGO/SnO 2 nanocomposite attributes a strong electronic interaction between the tin oxide and graphene. To explore the potential optical capability of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/SnO 2 nanostructure, three plausible configurations were relaxed based on the estimated relative energies. The overall study projected this nanohybrid material for potential applications in semiconductor industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]