Ultrahigh Penetration and Retention of Graphene Quantum Dot Mesoporous Silica Nanohybrids for Image Guided Tumor Regression

So far, near-infrared (NIR) light responsive nanostructures have been well-defined in cancer nanomedicine. However, poor penetration and retention in tumors are the limiting factors. Here, we report the ultrahigh penetration and retention of carbanosilica (graphene quantum dots, GQDs embedded mesoporous silica) in solid tumors. After NIR light exposure, quick (0.5 h) emission from the tumor area is observed that is further retained up to a week (tested up to 10 days) with a single dose administration of nanohybrids. Emissive and photothermally active GQDs and porous silica shell (about 31% drug loading) make carbanosilica a promising nanotheranostic agent exhibiting 68.75% tumor shrinking compared to without NIR light exposure (34.48%). Generated heat (similar to 52 degrees C) alters the permeability of tumor enhancing the accumulation of nanotheranostics into the tumor environment. Successive tumor imaging ensures the prolonged follow-up of image guided tumor regression due to synergistic therapeutic effect of nanohybrids.

Automated summary

Carbon-silica nanostructures show high penetration and retention in solid tumors, emitting quickly after exposure to NIR light and being retained for up to a week after a single dose administration. Their emissive and photothermally active properties make them promising nanotheranostic agents for tumor regression.