Emerging advances in cancer nanotheranostics with graphene nanocomposites: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

As an inorganic nanomaterial, graphene nanocomposites have gained much attention in cancer nanotechnology compared with the other inorganic nanomaterial in recent times. Although a relatively new drug carrier, it has been extensively explored as a potential chemotherapeutic carrier and theranostic because of its numerous physicochemical properties, including, capability of multiple pay load, functionalization for drug targeting and photothermal effect. Despite potential benefit, its translation from bench to bed-side in cancer therapy is challenged due to its toxicity concern. Here, we discussed the present progress and future possibilities of graphene nanocomposites as a cancer theranostic. Moreover, the paper also exemplifies the effects of graphene/graphene oxide on tissues and organ functions in order to understand the extent and mechanism of toxicity.

The application of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, fullerene, and graphene nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy

“…In the field of cancer therapy and/or diagnosis, 73% of the articles focus on drug-delivering applications and 27% on theranostic applications (Orecchioni et al 2015 ). In cancer therapy and particularly in PDT, some reviews (Shen et al 2012 ; Goncalves et al 2013 ; Rahman et al 2015 ; Li et al 2015a ) can be useful for scientists.…”

Nanotechnology Based Theranostic Approaches in Alzheimer's Disease Management: Current Status and Future Perspective

“…The particle size and surface morphology of nanoparticulate systems are reported to modify the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution profile of the loaded drugs/bioactive [114–116]. Such investigations particularly in reference to brain delivery are still limited and benefit-to-risk ratio is yet to be assessed for therapeutic considerations.…”

“…These pathways exploit different recognition molecules to perceive foreign particle and are activated by similar mechanism to secrete convertase enzyme that responsible to cleave central complement protein C3. The nanoparticulate system-mediated complement activation results into surface opsonization by the opsonic fragments (like C3b and iC3b) of C3 cleavage [116, 121]. Overall, this promotes recognition and fast clearance through macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system decorated with complement receptors.…”

“…Furthermore, complement cascade activation results into production of potent anaphylatoxins such as C4a, C3a, and C5a. These are found to elicit the secretion of secondary mediators from various immune cells and consequently commence anaphylaxis in susceptible individuals to further complicate AD [116]. Additionally, the lytic membrane attacks complex (C5b-9 or MAC) assembled from the terminal complement components (C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9) on cleavage of C5.…”

“…Additionally, the lytic membrane attacks complex (C5b-9 or MAC) assembled from the terminal complement components (C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9) on cleavage of C5. This complex has ability to provoke nonlytic stimulatory responses from vascular endothelial cells and results into modification in hemostasis and inflammatory cell recruitment [116]. The complement system is sturdily activated in AD brain (specifically at senile-plaque site) and functions in association with activated microglia having high expression of complement receptors [123].…”