Dual‐Functional Nanographene Oxide as Cancer‐Targeted Drug‐Delivery System to Selectively Induce Cancer‐Cell Apoptosis |
| |
| Authors: | Binwei Zhou Dr Yanyu Huang Dr Fang Yang Dr Wenjie Zheng Dr Tianfeng Chen |
| |
| Affiliation: | Department of Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China |
| |
| Abstract: | Construction of bioresponsive drug‐delivery nanosystems could enhance the anticancer efficacy of anticancer agents and reduce their toxic side effects. Herein, by using transferrin (Tf) as a surface decorator, we constructed a cancer‐targeted nanographene oxide (NGO) nanosystem for use in drug delivery. This nanosystem (Tf‐NGO@HPIP) drastically enhanced the cellular uptake, retention, and anticancer efficacy of loaded drugs but showed much lower toxicity to normal cells. The nanosystem was internalized through receptor‐mediated endocytosis and triggered pH‐dependent drug release in acidic environments and in the presence of cellular enzymes. Moreover, Tf‐NGO@HPIP effectively induced cancer‐cell apoptosis through activation of superoxide‐mediated p53 and MAPK pathways along with inactivation of ERK and AKT. Taken together, this study demonstrates a good strategy for the construction of bioresponsive NGO drug‐delivery nanosystems and their use as efficient anticancer drug carriers. |
| |
| Keywords: | apoptosis bioresponsive drug delivery graphene nanotechnology |
|
|
