Graphene-based nanomaterials and their potentials in advanced drug delivery and cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cancer morbidity and mortality rates necessitate advanced therapeutic strategies.
• Traditional chemotherapy faces limitations due to toxicity, side effects, and lack of targeting.
• Nanomaterials offer potential for efficient and targeted cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physicochemical properties and anti-cancer applications of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
• To explore the use of GO and rGO as drug delivery systems and photothermal agents in cancer therapy.
• To discuss challenges and potential solutions regarding GO and rGO in biomedical applications, including nano-protein interactions.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review on graphene-based nanomaterials for cancer therapy.
• Analysis of physicochemical and optical properties of GO and rGO relevant to cancer treatment.
• Discussion of combined therapeutic approaches including photothermal therapy, targeted drug delivery, and chemotherapy.

Main Results:

• Graphene-based nanomaterials (GO and rGO) possess unique properties like large surface area, modifiable groups, biocompatibility, and photothermal effects.
• GO and rGO can serve as effective carriers for chemotherapeutics and as active agents in photothermal therapy.
• Combining photothermal therapy with targeted drug delivery and chemotherapy using GO/rGO shows significant potential for enhanced cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide are promising nanomaterials for advanced cancer therapy.
• Their unique properties enable applications in targeted drug delivery and photothermal treatment, overcoming limitations of conventional chemotherapy.
• Further research into nano-protein interactions and safety profiles is crucial for clinical translation.