PEGylated graphene oxide-mediated protein delivery for cell function regulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cellular functions are regulated by proteins involved in signaling pathways.
• Protein delivery into cells is a key strategy for modulating cellular functions and holds potential for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate PEGylated graphene oxide (GO) as a nanovector for efficient protein delivery into cells.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility, protein loading capacity, and protective capabilities of GO-PEG.
• To demonstrate the functional delivery of proteins and their impact on cellular behavior.

Main Methods:

• Graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to create GO-PEG.
• Proteins were loaded onto GO-PEG via noncovalent interactions.
• The cellular uptake, protein protection from hydrolysis, and biological activity of delivered proteins (RNase A and PKA) were assessed.

Main Results:

• PEGylated graphene oxide (GO-PEG) demonstrated high biocompatibility and physiological stability.
• GO-PEG achieved efficient protein delivery into the cell cytoplasm with a high payload capacity.
• Delivered proteins retained their biological activity, leading to observable cellular effects such as cell death (RNase A) and cell growth (PKA).

Conclusions:

• PEGylated graphene oxide is a feasible and promising nanovector for protein delivery.
• GO-PEG effectively protects proteins from enzymatic degradation and preserves their biological functions.
• This approach offers a new strategy for protein-based therapeutics, particularly in cancer treatment.