Functionalization of graphene oxide for anticancer applications

Authors and Affiliations:
Duarte de Melo-Diogo¹, Cleide Pais-Silva¹, Elisabete C. Costa¹, Ricardo O. Louro², Ilídio J. Correia¹

¹ CICS-UBI – Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal

² ITQB – Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal

Abstract:
Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic capacity of D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-functionalized nanographene oxide (nGO) in breast cancer cells. Methods: TPGS-functionalized nGO-based materials were obtained through two different approaches: a simple sonication method and a one-pot hydrothermal treatment. Results: TPGS coating successfully improved the stability of the nGObased materials. The nanomaterials that underwent the hydrothermal procedure generated a 1.4- to 1.6-fold higher temperature variation under near infrared laser irradiation than those prepared only by sonication. In vitro, the TPGS/nGO derivatives reduced breast cancer cells’ viability and had an insignificant effect on healthy cells. Furthermore, the combined application of TPGS/nGO derivatives and near infrared light generated an improved therapeutic effect. Conclusion: TPGS/nGO derivatives are promising materials for breast cancer phototherapy.

Journal: Nanomedicine

Link: http://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/pdf/10.2217/nnm-2016-0384