Graphene oxide loaded with tumor-targeted peptide and anti-cancer drugs for cancer target therapy

In the present work, we constructed nanoscale graphene oxide (NGO) as a drug nanocarrier to improve the process of tumor-targeted drug releases, promote cellular uptake and accumulation of chemotherapy drugs in tumor tissues, and reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs on normal cells. Hence, great stability was obtained in the biological solution. Moreover, we designed an effective nanoparticle system for the doxorubicin (DOX) delivery targeting the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by mediating the HN-1 (TSPLNIHNGQKL) through hydrogen and pi-pi bonds. DOX@NGO-PEG-HN-1 showed significantly higher cellular uptakes and cytotoxicity in OSCC cells (CAL-27 and SCC-25), compared to free DOX. Moreover, HN-1 showed considerable tumor-targeting and competition inhibition phenomenon. As we expected, the nanocarrier showed pH-responsive drug release. In total, our study represented a good technique to construct OSCC-targeted delivery of nanoparticles and improve the anticancer medicines' efficiency.

Automated summary

In this study, nanoscale graphene oxide (NGO) was successfully used as a drug carrier to improve the process of tumor-targeted drug releases and enhance the accumulation of chemotherapy drugs in tumor tissues while reducing toxicity to normal cells. The designed nanoparticle system DOX@NGO-PEG-HN-1 showed significantly increased cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, with pH-responsive drug release capabilities, demonstrating potential for improving anticancer drug efficiency.