Noncovalent Functionalized Graphene Nanocarriers from Graphite for Treating Thyroid Cancer Cells

Abstract

Here, biocompatible graphene (G) nanocarriers decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were prepared using 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate (PEGMA). For this, we report the use of graphite directly instead of graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide. Graphene nanocarrier (in situ GIOPMPC) was prepared in one-pot by in situ copolymerization of MPC and PEGMA monomers in the presence of IONPs and G. GIOPMCP nanocarriers were prepared by sonication using PMPC-co-PEGMA copolymers in the presence of IONPs and G. The prepared graphene nanocarriers were thoroughly characterized by various techniques. The analyses confirmed the successful preparation of nanocarriers with even distributions of PMPC-co-PEGMA and IONPs on surface G. The IONPs were coordinated through the phosphate groups in PMPC. Excellent dispersibility of the graphene nanocarriers in water enabled drug delivery applications. The prepared nanocarriers did not show significant cytotoxicity to the thyroid cancer cells up to 8 mg/mL (IC 50 : 38.26 mg/mL). Thyroid cancer cells were stably transduced with a bioluminescent reporter to monitor cell cytotoxicity. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto in situ GIOPMPC nanocarriers at two different concentrations and was successfully delivered to thyroid cancer cells, resulting in strong cytotoxicity. Moreover, signaling mechanistic analyses showed apoptosis activation, inhibition of anti-apoptosis and proliferation, and increased DNA damage in the thyroid cancer cells.

Graphene family in cancer therapy: recent progress in cancer gene/drug delivery applications

“…GIOPMPC alone has been shown to have negligible toxicity; however, significant toxicity was observed via effects on apoptosis, cell proliferation, and DNA damage when loaded with DOX. 158 Besides focused drug delivery and long-lasting circulation time, steady drug release (consistent medication release) is of paramount importance for a nanocarrier to act efficiently. Farahani et al 159 designed a graphene-based nanocarrier stabilized with BSA, decorated with chitosan, and grafted with DOX.…”

Radiosensitization of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Graphene Oxide Nanosheets to Reduce Bcl-2 Level

“…As nanoparticles, GO is considered as a novel nanoreagent for cancer treatment . GO has great application prospects in cancer treatment, which has attracted wide attention in multidisciplinary fields . It was reported that the effect of GO was involved in cell apoptosis of breast cancer cells .…”

“…10 GO has great application prospects in cancer treatment, which has attracted wide attention in multidisciplinary fields. 11 It was reported that the effect of GO was involved in cell apoptosis of breast cancer cells. 12 GO could cause dose-dependent toxicity of breast cancer cells by analysis of cell viability.…”

Water Soluble PMPC-Derived Bright Fluorescent Nitrogen/Phosphorous-Doped Carbon Dots for Fluorescent Ink (Anti-Counterfeiting) and Cellular Multicolor Imaging

“…This polymer was prepared from the 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine monomer by free radical polymerization. PMPC is a biocompatible polymer and is used widely in bioapplication, enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen [ 45 , 46 ]. Since PMPC has heteroatoms it was believed that CDs from this polymer will exhibit excellent optical properties with low toxicity.…”