Graphene Oxide Nanosheets for Localized Hyperthermia—Physicochemical Characterization, Biocompatibility, and Induction of Tumor Cell Death

Abstract

Background: The main goals of cancer treatment are not only to eradicate the tumor itself but also to elicit a specific immune response that overcomes the resistance of tumor cells against chemo- and radiotherapies. Hyperthermia was demonstrated to chemo- and radio-sensitize cancerous cells. Many reports have confirmed the immunostimulatory effect of such multi-modal routines. Methods: We evaluated the interaction of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets; its derivatives reduced GO and PEGylated rGO, with components of peripheral blood and evaluated its thermal conductivity to induce cell death by localized hyperthermia. Results: We confirmed the sterility and biocompatibility of the graphene nanomaterials and demonstrated that hyperthermia applied alone or in the combination with radiotherapy induced much more cell death in tumor cells than irradiation alone. Cell death was confirmed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase from dead and dying tumor cells. Conclusion: Biocompatible GO and its derivatives can be successfully used in graphene-induced hyperthermia to elicit tumor cell death.

Graphene-Induced Hyperthermia (GIHT) Combined With Radiotherapy Fosters Immunogenic Cell Death

“…We have observed that rGO and rGO-PEG exhibit the best photothermal conversion efficacy (37). The hyperthermia (42-43°C) induced by rGO and rGO-PEG alone or in combination with gamma irradiation led to significantly increased cell death.…”

“…Whether hyperthermia complementing radiotherapy results in ICD has not been investigated in-depth yet. We have recently shown that PEGylated reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGO-PEG) are biocompatible, non-toxic, and can be used for intravenous application to induce fine-tuned localized hyperthermia by application of near infrared radiation (37). We demonstrate herein that tumor cells killed by the combination of gamma irradiation and hyperthermia release several DAMPs in a fashion that renders dead B16F10 melanoma cells immunogenic.…”

“…B16F10 melanoma cells were exposed to GIHT as described before (37). The cells were seeded in 24-well flat-bottom culture plates (2 × 10 5 cells/well).…”

<p>HMGB1 in Radiotherapy: A Two Headed Signal Regulating Tumor Radiosensitivity and Immunity</p>

“…For example, Podolska and colleagues demonstrated that graphene-induced hyperthermia in combination with RT resulted in higher levels of ICD in B16F10 melanoma cells. 11 Moreover, a specific immune response was implemented in immunocompetent animals that were inoculated with tumor cells undergoing ICD, which was associated with immunological memory. 12 Thus, it can be concluded that successful induction of ICD may directly influence the efficacy of RT.…”

In Vitro Hyperthermia Evaluation of Electrospun Polymer Composite Fibers Loaded with Reduced Graphene Oxide

“…Among reinforcing materials, carbon-based materials such as carbon nanotubes (1D) and graphene (2D) are the most used [ 1 ]. Given the structural and hybridization characteristics of graphene and its strong optical absorbance in near infrared region [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], it has been used as a photothermal agent for the in vitro and in vivo therapies in cancer treatment [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Different materials absorbing near infrared radiation (NIR) light to generate heat have been developed such as metallic and magnetic nanoparticles, conductive polymers, and carbon nanomaterials [ 8 ].…”