Graphene Quantum Dots-Mediated Theranostic Penetrative Delivery of Drug and Photolytics in Deep Tumors by Targeted Biomimetic Nanosponges

Abstract

Dual-targeted delivery of drugs and energy by nanohybrids can potentially alleviate side effects and improve the unique features required for precision medicine. To realize this aim, however, the hybrids which are often rapidly removed from circulation and the piled up tumors periphery near the blood vessels must address the difficulties in low blood half-lives and tumor penetration. In this study, a sponge-inspired carbon composites-supported red blood cell (RBC) membrane that doubles as a stealth agent and photolytic carrier that transports tumor-penetrative agents (graphene quantum dots and docetaxel (GQD-D)) and heat with irradiation was developed. The RBC-membrane enveloped nanosponge (RBC@NS) integrated to a targeted protein that accumulates in tumor spheroids via high lateral bilayer fluidity exhibits an 8-fold increase in accumulation compared to the NS. Penetrative delivery of GQDs to tumor sites is actuated by near-infrared irradiation through a one-atom-thick structure, facilitating penetration and drug delivery deep into the tumor tissue. The synergy of chemotherapy and photolytic effects was delivered by the theranostic GQDs deep into tumors, which effectively damaged and inhibited the tumor in 21 days when treated with a single irradiation. This targeted RBC@GQD-D/NS with the capabilities of enhanced tumor targeting, NIR-induced drug penetration into tumors, and thermal ablation for photolytic therapy promotes tumor suppression and exhibits potential for other biomedical applications.

Synthesis of graphene quantum dots and their applications in drug delivery

“…While developing new nanomaterials, new drug delivery-release modes have also been explored. Generally, there are enhanced permeability and retention (EPR)-pH delivery-release mode [184], ligand-pH delivery-release mode [99,185,186], EPR-Photothermal Delivery-Release Mode [123], and Core/Shell-photothermal/magnetic thermal delivery-release mode [187,188]. In addition, other delivery-release modes are generally used to treat non-tumor diseases.…”

“…Some researchers [187,188] have developed core-shell materials, which are generally combined with photodynamic therapy and thermodynamic therapy, providing new ideas for drug delivery and release.…”

Bistratal Au@Bi2S3 nanobones for excellent NIR-triggered/multimodal imaging-guided synergistic therapy for liver cancer

“…IT injection was more visible than TV injection, owing to the longer blood circulation of TV injection, which probably weakened the accumulation of Au@Bi 2 S 3 -PVP NBs in the tumor region. Furthermore, the CT performance of Au@Bi 2 S 3 -PVP NBs was comparable to or even better than that of quantum dots (~16 nm [ 66 ], 2–6 nm [ 82 ]), carbon dots (~4.2 nm [ 83 ], ~20 nm [ 84 ]), Au/Ag/Cu nanoclusters (~73.8 nm [ 85 ], 50 nm [ 86 ], 3 nm [ 87 ]), upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, ~14 nm [ 88 ], ~52.8 nm [ 89 ]) and several other nanoparticles with particle sizes above 100 nm, such as Bi 2 S 3 -PEG Nus [ 57 ]. These results indicated the great potential of Au@Bi 2 S 3 -PVP NBs to perform CT imaging of tumors.…”

Application of Nanotechnology in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy - A Mini-Review

“…Besides, the light stability of quantum dot signals is more concrete and brighter than that of traditional organic dyes 94 . Chen et al successfully detected BC using quantum-dot-based probes, confirming that unlike traditional immunohistochemistry, quantum dot immunohistochemistry (IHC) can detect the very low expressions of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) as well as multichannel detection 95 , 96 .…”