Graphene-Based Platforms for Cancer Therapeutics

Abstract

Graphene is a multifunctional carbon nanomaterial and could be utilized to develop platform technologies for cancer therapies. Its surface can be covalently and noncovalently functionalized with anticancer drugs and functional groups that target cancer cells and tissue to improve treatment efficacies. Furthermore, its physicochemical properties can be harnessed to facilitate stimulus responsive therapeutics and drug delivery. This review article summarizes the recent literature specifically focused on development of graphene technologies to treat cancer. We will focus on advances at the interface of graphene based drug/gene delivery, photothermal/photodynamic therapy and combinations of these techniques. We also discuss the current understanding in cytocompatibility and biocompatibility issues related to graphene formulations and their implications pertinent to clinical cancer management.

Cell spheroids: the new frontiers in in vitro models for cancer drug validation

“…Novel approaches on drug discovery and cancer therapy utilize microtubule-stabilizing agents [15], cyclodextrin-based nanosponges [16], engineered nanovehicles that combine cancer chemotherapy with anticancer immunotherapy [17], graphene-based technologies for cancer therapeutics [18] and cyclopamine with improved biological activity through challenging chemical modifications [19]. Other anticancer therapeutic approaches include the elucidation of molecular functions of protein lysine methylation [20], or the intracellular functions of Akt as a pivotal point of converging signaling pathways, and focus on the drug design strategies to develop potent anticancer agents targeting Akt [21].…”

Three‐dimensional carbon nanotube scaffolds for long‐term maintenance and expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells

“…Carbon nanomaterials can be divided into 3 classes: (1) zero‐dimensional fullerenes, (2) one‐dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and (3) two‐dimensional graphene, all of which have been used for several biomedical applications . CNTs are one‐dimensional tubular nanofibers.…”

Three‐dimensional macroporous graphene scaffolds for tissue engineering

“…The multifunctional characteristics of graphene nanoparticles of various shapes and sizes such as graphene oxide (a.k.a. graphene nanoplatelets), graphene oxide nanoribbons, and nanosheets have been exploited for several biomedical applications such as bioimaging, drug and gene delivery, stem cell tracking, photodynamic therapy, and cancer therapeutics . They have also been used as reinforcing agents to improve the mechanical properties of tissue engineering scaffolds or as contrast agents to enable noninvasive structural and functional monitoring of polymeric scaffolds under physiological conditions .…”