Application of polydopamine and graphene oxide combination in poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)/poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) bilayer hydrogels

Abstract

In recent years, polydopamine (PDA) and graphene oxide (GO) have garnered considerable attention as promising photothermal materials. However, research on the combined application of PDA and GO as photothermal agents, as well as their integration into poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogels, remains sparse. To address this knowledge gap, our study presents a novel, multifunctional bilayer hydrogel that exhibits simultaneous photoresponsiveness, thermoresponsiveness, and pH responsivity. By incorporating PDA@GO into a thermally and pH-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) bilayer hydrogel, the resultant hydrogel demonstrates enhanced performance in converting light energy to heat energy. Upon exposure to 808 nm laser irradiation, the thermal performance of PDA@GO with varying synthesis ratios was evaluated, revealing that a dopamine to graphene oxide synthesis ratio of 2:1 yields the most effective heat generation. The incorporation of PDA@GO significantly enhances the hydrogel's capacity to convert light energy into heat energy. The developed hydrogel exhibits excellent multiple responsiveness, indicating its potential for a wide range of applications. This research leverages the synergistic effects of PDA and GO in constructing hydrogels, thereby fostering advancements in the realm of multifunctional reactive materials.

Graphical Abstract