Noncovalent Functionalized Graphene Nanocarriers from Graphite for Treating Thyroid Cancer Cells

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Development of novel nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery is crucial for improving cancer treatment efficacy.
• Graphene and iron oxide nanoparticles offer unique properties for biomedical applications.
• Existing methods for preparing graphene-based nanocarriers often involve multiple steps and harsh conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize biocompatible graphene nanocarriers decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using a direct graphite approach.
• To evaluate the potential of these nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in thyroid cancer.
• To investigate the cytotoxicity and cellular mechanisms of action of drug-loaded nanocarriers.

Main Methods:

• One-pot synthesis of graphene nanocarriers (in situ GIOPMPC) via copolymerization of 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate (PEGMA) in the presence of IONPs and graphite.
• Characterization of nanocarriers using various analytical techniques to confirm composition and distribution.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays on bioluminescently reported thyroid cancer cells using doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded nanocarriers.
• Signaling pathway analysis to elucidate the mechanism of cell death.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized biocompatible graphene nanocarriers (in situ GIOPMPC) with well-distributed IONPs and polymers.
• Nanocarriers exhibited excellent water dispersibility and low cytotoxicity to thyroid cancer cells (IC50: 38.26 mg/mL).
• Doxorubicin-loaded nanocarriers effectively delivered the drug to thyroid cancer cells, inducing significant cytotoxicity through apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and DNA damage.

Conclusions:

• The developed graphene-based nanocarriers are effective platforms for targeted doxorubicin delivery in thyroid cancer.
• The synthesis method offers a simplified approach using direct graphite.
• These nanocarriers demonstrate significant potential for developing advanced cancer therapeutics.