RETRACTED: Controlled delivery of ketamine from reduced graphene oxide hydrogel for neuropathic pain: In vitro and in vivo studies (Retracted Article)

Ketamine which is widely used to manage neuropathic pain shows major limitations of low oral bioavailability (10-20%) and short half-life (<2 h), which affects the routine life style of patients (noncompliance due to multiple dosing and associated side effects). The current research aim to developed ketamine loaded Pluronic (R) F127 stabilized reduced graphene oxide hydrogel for sustain drug delivery via transdermal route. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction data confirm the attachment of Pluronic (R) F127 on the reduced graphene oxide. The scanning electron microscopy image showed the wrinkled and flattened nano-sheet surface with the presence of micelles. The ex vivo flux decreases proportionally with increase in the level of graphene oxide, which suggests that the ketamine release rate can be the tailored by changing the level of graphene oxide in the hydrogel. The writing test in mice confirmed low analgesic activity of ketamine loaded reduced graphene oxide hydrogel due to low flux rate of drug in comparison to control ketamine hydrogel (without graphene oxide). The tail-flick study on Wistar rats showed prolonged analgesic effect (24 h) with ketamine loaded reduced graphene oxide in comparison to ketamine control hydrogel (4 h). Thus, ketamine loaded Pluronic (R) F127-reduced graphene oxide hydrogel can be used to manage the neuropathic pain for the extended period of time bypassing associated side effects of intravenous, nasal and oral routes.