Ultrahigh Penetration and Retention of Graphene Quantum Dot Mesoporous Silica Nanohybrids for Image Guided Tumor Regression

Abstract

So far, near-infrared (NIR) light responsive nanostructures have been well-defined in cancer nanomedicine. However, poor penetration and retention in tumors are the limiting factors. Here, we report the ultrahigh penetration and retention of carbanosilica (graphene quantum dots, GQDs embedded mesoporous silica) in solid tumors. After NIR light exposure, quick (0.5 h) emission from the tumor area is observed that is further retained up to a week (tested up to 10 days) with a single dose administration of nanohybrids. Emissive and photothermally active GQDs and porous silica shell (about 31% drug loading) make carbanosilica a promising nanotheranostic agent exhibiting 68.75% tumor shrinking compared to without NIR light exposure (34.48%). Generated heat (∼52 °C) alters the permeability of tumor enhancing the accumulation of nanotheranostics into the tumor environment. Successive tumor imaging ensures the prolonged follow-up of image guided tumor regression due to synergistic therapeutic effect of nanohybrids.

Carbon Dot Therapeutic Platforms: Administration, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Toxicity, and Therapeutic Potential

“…[ 132 ] To reach the core, additional strategies may be employed to facilitate movement into this region including the functionalization of CDs with “enhanced permeability and retention” agents or triggering CDs with external radiation stimuli (i.e., ultrasound, radiotherapy, photodynamic, or hyperthermia) to physically enhance access ( Figure ). [ 24 ]…”

“…[23] 13) They can be integrated into other nano/micro composites for added functionality. [24] Advances in nanotechnology has revealed the great potential offered by these particles for therapeutic applications. However, a cautious approach for adopting nanoparticles for human therapy is currently in place with less than 60 nanomedicines approved for intravenous administration by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).…”

Sustained delivery of gemcitabine via in situ injectable mussel-inspired hydrogels for the local therapy of pancreatic cancer

“…That is to say, the introduction of DA and the hydrogen-bonding interaction of precursors for adhesion are reminiscent of other reported composite adhesives with a majority of organic matrix as tissue sealants, wound healing patches, and hemostatic materials. 4,9 Adhesion studies As a useful and well-established tool to measure the lap shear adhesive bonding at the target site, the standard lap-shear testing system improves signal sensitivity to the property of a hydrogel under both dry conditions and underwater conditions (Fig. S2, ESI, † and Fig.…”

“…1,2 Large numbers of formulations such as nanoparticles, hydrogels and microspheres have been investigated and demonstrated for locally controlled drug delivery systems with differing degrees of advantages and disadvantages in the domain of biomedicine. [3][4][5] Among these ingredients, polysaccharides are the most widely used, which attract the most attention in drug delivery systems (DDSs). 6,7 Up to now, however, it seems an ongoing challenge for an excellent drug delivery system (DDS) that would satisfy several design criteria to expand the limited number of the next generation of biomedical materials with enhanced performance.…”

Recent Advances in Nanomaterials Development for Nanomedicine and Cancer

“…Recent works have focused on the modification of CNTs to improve their optical characteristics . The electrochemical and optical properties of graphene-based nanomaterials have found widespread biomedical applications, especially for drug and gene delivery, bioimaging, and cancer therapy. − The oxidized form of graphene, GO, represents some new properties, especially amphiphilicity and surface functionality, which is essential for biomedical applications . Other attractive properties of GO include water solubility, biocompatibility, and high surface area. , CDs are a new group of CNPs and an appropriate alternative to QDs, due to the simple and cost-effective synthesis and excellent biocompatibility .…”