Nano-graphene oxide-UCNP-Ce6 covalently constructed nanocomposites for NIR-mediated bioimaging and PTT/PDT combinatorial therapy

Abstract

NIR light-induced imaging-guided cancer therapy is an encouraging route in the cancer theranostic field. Herein, we describe a novel nanoscale proposal, which is established by covalently implanting core-shell structured upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with nanographene oxide (NGO) by a process utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG), and consequently loading Chlorin e6 (Ce6) onto the surface of NGO. The acquired NGO-UCNP-Ce6 (NUC) nanocomposites can not only be employed as upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging probes of cells and whole-body animals with high contrast for diagnosis, but also can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under 808 nm light excitation for photodynamic therapy (PDT); over and above, they can swiftly and proficiently translate the 808 nm photon into thermal energy for photothermal therapy (PTT). An extraordinarily enhanced and synchronized therapeutic effect paralleled to the individual PTT or PDT is achieved, rendering extraordinary therapeutic effectiveness for cancer treatment. Consequently, profiting from this inimitable multifunctional nanohybrid, the NUCs synthesized here are encouraging as a cohesive theranostic probe for impending UCL imaging-guided combinatorial PDT/PTT.

Comprehensive Application of Graphene: Emphasis on Biomedical Concerns

“…These findings promise the potential use of this system for complete tumor ablation and metastasis prevention. Several research groups have designed hybrid materials comprising photosensitizer-linked graphene/GO (GO-fullerene C60) [72], RGO-Ru-PEG [73], folic acid-GO-manganese dioxide [74], GO-enwrapped SiO 2 /TiO 2 hollow nanoparticles loaded with protoporphyrin IX [75], and NGO-UCNP-Ce6 [76] for combined PTT and PDT in a single platform. Effective delivery of photosensitizers for PDT along with enhanced fluorescence imaging was achieved by Yan et al [77].…”

“…Molecular dynamic simulation studies showed that basic amino acid residues (arginine and lysine) and aromatic residues (tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine) play a key role in binding the protein onto the surface of graphene Porphyrin-GO -U87-MG cells Photothermal therapy; brain cancer treatment [67] Aptamer-magnetic GO Indocyanine green CCRF-CEM Photothermal, photodynamic therapy [70] GO-fullerene C60 -HeLa cells Photothermal, photodynamic therapy [72] RGO-Ru-PEG Ru(II)-polypyridyl complex A549 cells Multifunctional imaging and phototherapy [73] NGO-UCNP-Ce6 Ce6 HeLa cells; U14 tumor bearing mice Up-conversion luminescence imaging and PDT/PTT [76] Polypyrrole nitrogen-doped fewlayer graphene (PPy-NDFLG)…”

Nanoparticle‐based photothermal and photodynamic immunotherapy for tumor treatment

“…74,80 Another drawback of conventional PDT is the short wavelength of the excitation light, which is mainly located in the ultraviolet or visible region, resulting in limited penetration depth and in easy distribution by various endogenous light chromophores, such as melanin. 87 Li et al developed Nd 3+ sensitized lanthanide nanoparticles as carriers for loading PS; this UC nanoparticle relied on the excitation light wavelength of 808 nm that bypassed the defects of traditional Yb 3+ ions sensitized UC nanoparticles and achieved effective imaging-guided PDT without impairing imaging signals. ICG, IR820 and IR780 are multifunctional PS that rely on NIR laser (808 nm) irradiation with improved penetration and efficacy of PDT.…”

“…86 Gulzar et al designed graphene oxide as a carrier with chlorin e6 loading under 808 nm NIR laser excitation for imagingguided PDT. 87 Li et al developed Nd 3+ sensitized lanthanide nanoparticles as carriers for loading PS; this UC nanoparticle relied on the excitation light wavelength of 808 nm that bypassed the defects of traditional Yb 3+ ions sensitized UC nanoparticles and achieved effective imaging-guided PDT without impairing imaging signals. 88 The efficacy of PDT is restricted by hypoxic tumor microenvironment owing to the imbalance between the supply and consumption of oxygen in solid tumors.…”

Functionalization of Carbon Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

“…Utilizing upconversion nanocrystals is a promising method for NIR light-mediated bioimaging and photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Gulzar et al [131,174] covalently functionalized nGO with core-shell structured unconversion nanoparticles in the steps as shown in Figure 7. Oleic acid stabilized NaGdF 4 : Yb 3+ , Er 3+ was firstly synthesized followed by the formation of a NaGdF 4 : Nd 3+ , Yb 3+ shell around it.…”