Temperature-Sensitive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/Konjac Glucomannan/Graphene Oxide Composite Membranes with Improved Mechanical Property, Swelling Capability, and Degradability

Abstract

Temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/konjac glucomannan/graphene oxide (PNIPAM/KGM/GO) composite membranes were prepared by solution blending using calcium ions as a cross-linker. The composite membranes were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (Raman), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The swelling, mechanical property, phase transformation behaviors, and enzymatic degradation activities were also determined. Results revealed that the phase transition temperatures of all the composite membranes were approximately 35°C. The PNIPAM/KGM/GO composite membranes showed enhanced mechanical property. The swelling behavior and enzymatic degradation of the PNIPAM/KGM/GO composite membranes improved compared with those of conventional PNIPAM hydrogel and PNIPAM/KGM composite membranes. Thus, the PNIPAM/KGM/GO composite membranes have potential applications in the biomedical field as skin dressings.