Simultaneous co-delivery of a reporter EGFP gene and doxorubicin to HepG2 cells using AuNPs-Functionalized Graphene
Sanaz Hosseini1, Ali Khorsand Zak2, Abbas Nikravesh1
1Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan of University of Medical Science, Bojnurd, Iran.
Aims:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While doxorubicin (DOX) demonstrates efficacy, its associated toxicity is considerable, necessitating innovative strategies to reduce dosage and adverse effects. This study aimed to develop a graphene oxide - gold nanoparticle (GO-AuNP) nanocarrier designed to deliver DOX alongside an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid to improve therapeutic effectiveness against HCC.
Methods:
AuNPs-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanostructures were engineered for the co-delivery of DOX and EGFP. The transfection efficiency of the drug delivery nanocarrier, the release kinetics of the drugs, and the cytotoxic effects on cells were assessed using HepG2 and L929 cell lines.
Results:
The GO-Au nanocarriers demonstrated a controlled release of DOX, significantly inhibiting the proliferation of HepG2 cells at the 72-hour mark. Fluorescence imaging validated the effective transfection of EGFP and the internalization by cells. Importantly, the nanocarriers induced cytotoxicity from DOX at lower doses compared to free DOX, while enhancing the viability of L929 cells.
Conclusion:
The GO-Au nanostructure effectively co-delivered DOX and EGFP into HCC cells, exhibiting improved transfection efficiency, along with reduced toxicity to normal cells. This dual-functional nanoplatform presents a promising approach for real-time monitoring of gene and drug delivery.
Insights
This study developed a novel nanocarrier for targeted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. The graphene oxide-gold nanoparticle system co-delivers doxorubicin and EGFP, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global cancer mortality cause.
- Doxorubicin (DOX) is effective but toxic, requiring dose reduction strategies.
- Novel drug delivery systems are needed to improve HCC treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a graphene oxide-gold nanoparticle (GO-AuNP) nanocarrier.
- To achieve co-delivery of DOX and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid for HCC therapy.
- To evaluate the nanocarrier's efficacy and safety in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of AuNPs-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanostructures.
- Assessment of transfection efficiency and drug release kinetics.
- Evaluation of cytotoxicity on HepG2 (HCC) and L929 (normal) cell lines.
Main Results:
- GO-Au nanocarriers showed controlled DOX release, inhibiting HepG2 proliferation at 72 hours.
- Fluorescence imaging confirmed successful EGFP transfection and cellular uptake.
- Nanocarriers delivered DOX effectively at lower doses with reduced toxicity to L929 cells.
Conclusions:
- The GO-Au nanostructure enables efficient co-delivery of DOX and EGFP into HCC cells.
- This dual-functional nanoplatform demonstrates improved transfection and reduced normal cell toxicity.
- The system offers a promising approach for real-time monitoring of gene and drug delivery in HCC treatment.
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