Proper functionalization of GO with biocompatible polymers and traditional anticancer drugs is projected for antitumor and C hepatitis treatment with better therapeutic effects and reduced side effects associated to traditional anticancer drugs (campthothecin derivatives, doxorubicin, cisplatin).

Eingereicht von: Javier Pérez Quiñones, MSc
Firma/Universität: JKU University Linz – Institute of Polymer Chemistry
Homepage: www.jku.at
Kooperationspartner: JKU University Linz – Institute of Polymer Chemistry; University of Havana – Center of Biomaterials

life-science.eu - Foto: (c) Javier Pérez QuiñonesGraphene oxide (GO) is a novel material that exhibits important bactericidal properties and potential biomedical applications, while carrying carboxylic, epoxy and hydroxyl groups for a versatile chemical functionalization with drugs and polymers. However, inherent GO cytotoxicity and its non-biodegradability leading to possible lung accumulation and insufficient in vivo studies limit its application. Chemical modification of GO with biopolymers (chitosan, PEG, PLA) is a promising strategy to exploit the GO potentialities while overcoming its limitations. On the other hand, traditional anticancer drugs (doxorubicin, camptothecin, cisplatin) used in chemotherapy show negative side effects, limited aqueous solubility, instability at physiological conditions and cancer cells resistance. That is why the preparation of GO-based biopolymeric nanoparticles carrying anticancer drugs (camptothecin, doxorubicin) for their delivery with reduced side effects, and/or some metals (gold, manganese or Fe3O4) used as photothermal and magnetic resonance imaging agents, is the main goal of this research. Thus, GO will be covalently linked to hyaluronic acid, silk fibroin, functionalized chitosan, cellulose, or macrosubstituted with polyphosphazenes using surface chemical modification of GO layers into -COOH and -OH groups and carbodiimide-mediation for amide bond formation. GO-biopolymer composites form nanoparticles that will be loaded with the anticancer drugs and the metal particles, or it will be covalently modified with testosterone, vitamins E and D2 for better anticancer effect or amelioration of unwanted side effects due to doxorubicin or camptothecin. Controlled release of the anticancer drugs is anticipated through diffusion, hydrolytic detachment of drugs from the biopolymer and physiological degradation of the biopolymer.