Bilayer lipid-coated graphene MSN composite structures possess unique properties that make them attractive for various applications in biomedicine. Here are some key properties of bilayer lipid-coated graphene MSN composite: high surface area, biocompatibility [
30], controlled release [
63], stability and protection, targeted delivery [
63], versatility, and multimodal imaging [
64]. In 2022 Deshmukh
et al. investigated a hybrid multifunctional lipid-coated graphene oxide mesoporous silica nanocomposite (GO-MSN) that has been developed for the controlled delivery of rizatriptan benzoate (RiB). By incorporating a lipid coating, the fabricated carrier achieves an extended circulation time, enhancing the targeted delivery of RiB. The fabrication process involved a modified Hummers method to obtain a uniform sheet of GO, followed by a sol-gel approach to synthesize mesoporous silica, forming the nanocomposite. In vitro, release studies demonstrated that RiB release from RiB-GO-MSN and lipid-decorated GO-MSN was 70.74% and 63.45%, respectively. The lipid coating effectively delayed the release of RiB by approximately 8 hours. The entrapment efficiency of RiB-MSN and GO-MSN was measured at 48.17% and 62.29%, respectively. The presence of GO facilitated an increased entrapment of RiB, as RiB molecules could be trapped within the inter and intra spacing of GO. This study highlights the effectiveness of the simple methodology employed in the synthesis of GO-MSN, enabling efficient delivery of RiB to the brain for the management of migraine [
63]. Likewise, Wei
et al., and his colleagues have prepared a sandwich-like structure of mesoporous silica/graphene nanocomposites (MSGs), where mesoporous silica is assembled within the interlayer space of graphite oxide (GO) using intercalated surfactants as a template. This templated synthesis method involves the utilization of intercalated ammonium cation surfactants and neutral amines as co-surfactants to guide the hydrolysis and condensation of inorganic precursors (such as tetraethoxysilane, TEOS) within the GO galleries. The confinement effects provided by the GO galleries result in a compact arrangement of the mesoporous silica framework, sandwiched between the adjacent graphene sheets. A single line of aligned mesopores parallel to the GO galleries is observed. The pore sizes of the MSGs vary from 1.2 to 2.1 nm, depending on the chain length of the intercalated surfactants. Our templated method for synthesizing graphene-based nanocomposites offers the potential for a wide range of porous graphene-based nanocomposites with distinct morphologies and properties [
65]. Furthermore, in Fonseca
et al., 2018 a pioneering nanocomposite based on graphene oxide (GO) and mesoporous amino silica nanoparticles (H2N-MSNs) has been developed, aiming to investigate its biological interaction with red blood cells (RBCs) and human blood plasma, thereby exploring nano-bio interactions. Both silica nanoparticles and various graphene oxide-based materials have been individually recognized for their propensity for hemolysis and strong interaction with human plasma proteins. In this study, the GO-MSN interaction was thoroughly examined to understand its potential in mitigating the reported effects. The synthesis involved covalently attaching H2N-MSNs onto the GO surface through an amidation reaction. GO-MSN nanocomposites were obtained by varying the mass of H2N-MSNs, and their comprehensive characterization was carried out using FTIR, NMR, XRD, TGA, zeta potential, and TEM techniques. The characterization results not only confirmed the successful formation of nanocomposites but also indicated predominantly covalent bond attachment through amine-epoxy reactions. Additionally, an unexpected reduction reaction of GO by H2N-MSNs was observed, for which a proposed mechanism was put forward. Furthermore, biological assays demonstrated a significant decrease in hemolysis (RBC lysis) and a notable reduction in the interaction with human plasma proteins (protein corona formation). These significant findings contribute towards achieving in vivo biocompatibility and enhancing our understanding of nanobiointeractions. Ultimately, this research paves the way for potential applications of GO-MSN nanocomposites in nanomedicine, particularly as a drug delivery system [
64]. Besides Liu
et al., In this investigation successfully synthesized a multifunctional drug carrier, namely polydopamine doped mesoporous silica-coated reduced graphene oxide (rGO/MSN/PDA), by introducing dopamine hydrochloride into the oil-water biphasic reaction system. This nanocarrier exhibits a synergistic effect by combining chemotherapy and photothermal therapy for effective anticancer treatment. Compared to mesoporous silica-coated graphene oxide (GO/MSN), rGO/MSN/PDA demonstrates nearly twice the photothermal conversion efficiency, owing to the reduction of GO and the incorporation of PDA. Additionally, rGO/MSN/PDA exhibits a pH-responsive release profile for the anticancer drug DOX, indicating a higher release in tumor cells. In vitro cell experiments further confirm the improved biocompatibility of rGO/MSN/PDA compared to GO/MSN, highlighting its potential as a promising tool for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma cells through synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy. Since devised nanocomposites open a new path for cancer management [
66]. Moreover, Dalagan and Enriquez, 2014 investigation shows that a hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize silica-graphene oxide composites, enabling simultaneous functionalization and reduction of graphene oxide (GO) in the presence of mesoporous silica. Two types of silica, mesoporous synthetic silica (MSU-F) synthesized via the sol-gel method, and mesoporous mineral silica (meso-celite) obtained from pseudomorphic synthesis, were utilized in this study. Analysis of the infrared spectra of the composites revealed the disappearance of the carboxyl peak at 1735 cm-1, indicating the reduction of the -COOH group. Furthermore, an increase in the intensity of the band at 1385 cm–1 was observed, which can be attributed to the vibration of the Si-O-C=O moiety formed through the reaction between the -COOH group of GO and the silanol (Si-OH) of silica. Raman spectral analysis indicated a reduction in the intensity ratio of the D to G bands, suggesting the successful reduction of GO into graphene sheets. TEM images showcased the coupling of silica onto the GO surface, demonstrating a dense loading of silica on the planar structure of GO [
67]. Later, in 2018, Liu
et al., Investigated a novel antibacterial material, namely silver-decorated sandwich-like mesoporous silica/reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGO/MSN/Ag), that was successfully synthesized using a simple method. The reduction of rGO and Ag nanoparticles occurred within the reaction system without the need for additional reductants. The modified silver nanoparticles in the rGO/MSN/Ag composite contributed to its enhanced photothermal conversion capacity. Remarkably, the nanosheets exhibited excellent antibacterial activities against P.putida, E.coli, and Rhodococcus, even at relatively low dosages, as confirmed by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. Furthermore, when exposed to 808 nm laser irradiation, the antibacterial effect of the nanosheets on E.coli at high concentrations was significantly enhanced due to the induced photothermal effect of near-infrared light. Cytotoxicity evaluation using hepatocyte LO2 cells demonstrated that the rGO/MSN/Ag nanosheets exhibited low toxicity and no detectable cytotoxicity at the antimicrobial dose. Considering their cost-effectiveness and potent antibacterial activity, the prepared rGO/MSN/Ag nanosheets hold great promise as valuable antibacterial agents for various applications [
68].
4.2. Characterization of GO@MSN nanocomposites
The characterization of GO@MSN nanocomposites involves analyzing various properties and parameters to understand their structure, morphology, and behavior. Some common characterization techniques used for GO@MSN nanocomposites such as SEM are used to observe the surface morphology and structure of the nanocomposites. It provides high-resolution images that help assess the distribution of GO within the MSN matrix and examine the overall composite morphology [
63]. Similarly, TEM is employed to study the internal structure and arrangement of GO and MSN in nanocomposites. It provides detailed information about the size, shape, and distribution of nanoparticles and the interaction between GO and MSN at the nanoscale [
64]. Likewise, XRD is utilized to determine the crystalline structure of the nanocomposites. It helps identify the presence of GO and MSN, evaluate their degree of crystallinity, and assess potential changes in the crystalline structures due to the incorporation of GO [
64,
67]. Later, FTIR analysis is used to identify the functional groups present in the nanocomposites. It helps confirm the successful integration of GO and MSN by detecting characteristic absorption peaks corresponding to oxygen-containing groups on GO and silica groups on MSN [
67]. Furthermore, In Fonseca TGA is employed to analyze the thermal stability and weight loss behavior of the nanocomposites [
70]. It helps determine the content of GO and MSN, assess their thermal properties, and evaluate the effectiveness of the integration process. Additionally, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis is used to measure the specific surface area and porosity of the nanocomposites [
71]. It helps assess the impact of GO integration on the surface properties and porosity of MSN. In addition, DLS is utilized to determine the particle size distribution and stability of the nanocomposites in a liquid suspension [
72]. It provides information about the hydrodynamic size and polydispersity of the nanoparticles, indicating their stability and potential aggregation behavior. In addition, zeta potential measurement is performed to evaluate the surface charge and stability of the nanocomposites. It helps assess the electrostatic interactions between GO and MSN and provides insights into their colloidal stability [
64].
Table 1.
Synthesis of GO@MSN nanocomposites.
Table 1.
Synthesis of GO@MSN nanocomposites.
GO Synthesis Method |
MSN Synthesis Method |
GO@MSN nanocomposites Method |
Drug Delivery |
Drugs/Cargo |
Outcome |
Ref |
Modified Hummers method |
Sol-gel approach |
- |
Controlled Drug Delivery |
Rizatriptan Benzoate |
To effectively treat migraines, GO-MSN can transfer Rizatriptan Benzoate to the brain. |
[63] |
Modified Hummers method |
Sol-gel method & Kim and Pinnavaia |
Hydrothermal method |
- |
- |
The supercapacitor, sensor, or a catalyst support |
[67] |
Modified Hummers method |
Modified Stober method |
- |
- |
Red blood cells and Human plasma proteins |
Decreased hemolysis, Significantly reduced human blood plasma protein interaction with nanocomposites |
[64] |
Modified Hummers method |
Sol-gel method |
Gallery templated method |
- |
- |
A broad range of porous graphene-based nanocomposites |
[65] |
Modified Hummers method |
- |
Oil-water biphase stratification approach |
- |
Silver nitrate |
Excellent antibacterial effect against Rhodococuss, E.coli, and P.putida with low cytotoxicity |
[68] |
Modified Hummers method |
- |
Oil-water biphase stratification approach |
- |
Polydopamine& doxorubicin hydrochloride |
To enhance the anticancer impact, use chemo-photothermal treatment. |
[66] |