A functionalized graphene oxide with improved cytocompatibility for stimuli-responsive co-delivery of curcumin and doxorubicin in cancer treatment

Abstract

Nowadays, the usage of nanoparticles in various fields such as drug delivery, attracts the attention of many researchers in the treatment of cancers. Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the novel drug delivery systems which is used broadly owing to its unique features. In this survey, doxorubicin (DOX) was accompanied by natural medicine, curcumin (CUR), to diminish its side effects and enhance its efficiency. Cytotoxicity assay in human gastric cancer (AGS), prostate cancer (PC3), and ovarian cancer (A2780), was evaluated. Also, the uptake of DOX and CUR into cells, was assessed using a fluorescence microscope. Moreover, real-time PCR was applied for the evaluation of the expression of RB1 and CDK2 genes, which were involved in the cell cycle. In both separate and simultaneous forms, DOX and CUR were loaded with high efficiency and the release behavior of both drugs was pH-sensitive. The higher release rate was attained at pH 5.5 and 42 °C for DOX (80.23%) and CUR (13.06), respectively. The intensity of fluorescence in the free form of the drugs, was higher than the loaded form. In the same concentration, the free form of CUR and DOX were more toxic than the loaded form in all cell lines. Also, free drugs showed more impact on the expression of RB1 and CDK2 genes. Co-delivery of CUR and DOX into the mentioned cell lines, was more effective than the free form of CUR and DOX due to its lower toxicity to normal cells.

Recent Advances in Nanoparticle-Based Co-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

“…The incentive behind the co-delivery of genes and chemotherapeutic drugs is to disrupt MDR signaling pathways [ 95 , 140 ]. This disruption helps overcome MDR in cancer cells while increasing the response to chemotherapeutic drugs like anthracyclines and other anti-cancer treatments [ 131 , 141 ].…”

“…Moreover, co-delivery systems accompanied by nanocarriers synergistically repressed the proliferation of cancer cells compared with monotherapy [ 77 , 143 ]. It is important to consider, and thoroughly investigate, the interactions between the loaded drugs and carriers, as well as the stability of such delivery methods [ 131 ]. The design and use of nanocarriers capable of carrying two or more therapeutic agents with distinct characteristics is still an emerging field, due to its complexities [ 168 ].…”

The use of flavonoids in skin cancer prevention and treatment

“…Curcumin induces apoptosis by upregulating p53, p21 (Cip1), p27 (Kip1) and checkpoint kinase 2. By downregulating NFκB, iNOS expression and the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase, it shortens the survival of cancer cells [30]. Reducing the tumour size is also possible by blocking glutathione S-transferase, initiating apoptosis via Fas receptor / caspase-8, reducing COX enzymes and inhibiting NFκB signaling [31].…”

“…Positive effect resulting from apoptosis induction. [30] Positive effect resulting from glutathione S-transferase inhibition and apoptosis induction.…”

Magnetic Graphene-Based Nanosheets with Pluronic F127-Chitosan Biopolymers Encapsulated α-Mangosteen Drugs for Breast Cancer Cells Therapy

“…Previous investigations have developed the graphene-based materials as a compartment for drug carrier system. Yaghoubi et al used GO carboxylation as a drug delivery moiety for doxorubicin and curcumin delivery [ 18 ]. Rodrigues et al synthesized hydrophilic graphene-based yolk-shell magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with copolymer pluronic F127 [ 19 ].…”