Dual-Sensitive Graphene Oxide Loaded with Proapoptotic Peptides and Anticancer Drugs for Cancer Synergetic Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

• Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising nanomaterial for drug delivery.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems (DDS) for synergistic cancer therapy is crucial.
• Dual-responsive DDS can enhance drug release and therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a dual-sensitive DDS based on GO for synergistic cancer therapy.
• To co-deliver proapoptotic peptides and anticancer drugs.
• To evaluate the stability and potential of the DDS as a drug carrier.

Main Methods:

• Graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized with cell apoptosis peptide (KLAKLAK)2 (KLA) via disulfide bonds (GO-SS-KLA).
• Anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto GO via π-π conjugation and hydrogen bonding.
• The carrier was coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to form DOX@GO-SS-KLA/BSA.
• Drug release was studied under reductive and pH stimuli.
• Stability was assessed in water and fetal bovine serum.

Main Results:

• The DOX@GO-SS-KLA/BSA system demonstrated dual sensitivity to reductive and pH stimuli for controlled drug release.
• KLA and DOX were successfully co-delivered, enabling synergistic cancer therapy.
• The DDS exhibited excellent stability, remaining dispersed in water for over 8 days and in 10% fetal bovine serum for at least 6 days.

Conclusions:

• The developed DOX@GO-SS-KLA/BSA DDS shows great potential for synergistic cancer therapy.
• This platform is suitable for co-delivery of multiple therapeutic agents.
• The dual-sensitive nature enhances targeted drug release and therapeutic outcomes.