Surface Functionalization of Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

In this study, using chemically reduced graphene oxide (GO) as a model nanocarbon, we successfully developed a facile surface-functionalization strategy of nanocarbons to allow both biocompatibility and receptor targeted drug delivery. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coating improves aqueous dispersibility and biocompatibility of GO, and provides anchoring sites for ACDCRGDCFCG peptide (RGD4C). Aromatic photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) can be effectively loaded into the rGO-PVP-RGD system via hydrophobic interactions and π-π stacking. The nanodelivery system can significantly increase the accumulation of Ce6 in tumor cells and lead to an improved photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy as compared to Ce6 alone. The facile surface functionalization strategy can be applied to other nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, and inorganic nanomaterials.

Optical and photoacoustic dual-modality imaging guided synergistic photodynamic/photothermal therapies

“…Interestingly, the fluorescence intensity of DVDMS in GO-PEG-DVDMS is dramatically enhanced. In comparison with our previous results, 32–34 this phenomenon may be due to the intramolecular energy/ charge transfer of GO-PEG-DVDMS. 35 …”

Graphene-based nanomaterials for bioimaging

“…For instance, some dyes (Cy7 (44), Cy5 (45), IRDye800 (46), fluorescein (47), etc. ), nanoparticles (UCNPs (Tm 3+ /Er 3+ /Yb 3+ )) (48), and biomolecules (folic acid (17), RGD peptide (49), Herceptin (50), transferrin (51), hyaluronic acid (52), β-cyclodextrin (53), TRC105 (54), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (55), etc.) were covalently linked to GO/rGO for FL imaging and active targeting, respectively.…”

“…Therefore, the surface functionalization of graphene and its derivatives is a crucial step for further biomedical applications. So far, two main strategies including covalent and non-covalent approaches, using various biocompatible coatings and targeting ligands, have been employed to engineer functionalized graphene-based materials with improved aqueous solubility, biocompatibility, and selectivity (49). For example, a variety of biocompatible and biodegradable macromolecules, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), chitosan, and so on, have been used to modify graphene and its derivatives (26).…”

Preparation of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Copper Sulfide Nanoplates Composites as Efficient Photothermal Agents for Ablation of Cancer Cells

“…Previous reports have demonstrated that addition of PVP can remarkably improve the biocompatibility of nanomaterials. 17,18 Tian et al 7 investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of CuS superstructure modi¯ed by PVP, the results showed that no signi¯cant di®er-ences in the proliferation of the cells were observed in the absence or presence of 60-250 g/mL of CuS Table 1. O/C and Cu/C atomic ratio of GO, RGO-CuS from the XPS analysis.…”