Neutron-activatable radionuclide cancer therapy using graphene oxide nanoplatelets

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Radiochemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Neutron-activation therapy offers a promising route to radiotherapeutic development.
• Graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GONs) possess advantageous properties for drug delivery and biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GONs) as carriers for neutron-activatable holmium.
• To explore the potential of GONs-holmium conjugates for theranostic applications.

Main Methods:

• Non-covalent PEGylation of GONs to create GONs-PEG.
• Holmium loading onto GONs and GONs-PEG.
• Investigation of holmium leaching under various pH conditions, including simulated tumor microenvironment.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assessment of GONs-based formulations.

Main Results:

• PEGylated GONs (GONs-PEG) demonstrated a two-fold increase in holmium loading capacity compared to bare GONs.
• Minimal holmium leaching was observed across a wide pH range, indicating stability.
• GONs-based formulations exhibited a favorable safety profile in cell-based cytotoxicity assays.

Conclusions:

• Graphene oxide nanoplatelets are suitable carriers for neutron-activatable holmium.
• GONs-holmium conjugates show potential for theranostic applications in cancer treatment.
• This method facilitates radiotherapeutic development with reduced handling of radioactive materials.