Abstract

As an effective energy absorber, graphene is able to convert other energy sources to heat, which can be used for hyperthermia therapy, triggered drug release and clinical surgery. In this paper, photo to thermal conversion of graphene derivatives under continuous near infrared laser irradiation was investigated. Near infrared light is widely used in biomedical field because of its low light absorption and light scattering of biological tissue, resulting in deep penetration. Herein, to simulate the heating process inside biological tissue with graphene under near infrared light irradiation, graphene oxide was embedded in hydrogel and its temperature evolution under irradiation was experimentally and theoretically studied. Experimental results show that graphene oxide greatly enhances light absorption and promotes temperature rising in hydrogel. Through finite element modelling, parameters include particles distribution, laser power, absorption ability, thermal conductivity and time were thoroughly studied, revealing that absorption ability and laser power are the most critical factors affecting the temperature profile under laser heating.

Keywords: Photothermal; Finite element modelling; Graphene oxid; Agar