Photothermal therapy using graphene quantum dots

Abstract

The rapid development of powerful anti-oncology medicines have been possible because of advances in nanomedicine. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a type of treatment wherein nanomaterials absorb the laser energy and convert it into localized heat, thereby causing apoptosis and tumor eradication. PTT is more precise, less hazardous, and easy-to-control in comparison to other interventions such as chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and radiation therapy. Over the past decade, various nanomaterials for PTT applications have been reviewed; however, a comprehensive study of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) has been scantly reported. GQDs have received huge attention in healthcare technologies owing to their various excellent properties, such as high water solubility, chemical stability, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Motivated by the fascinating scientific discoveries and promising contributions of GQDs to the field of biomedicine, we present a comprehensive overview of recent progress in GQDs for PTT. This review summarizes the properties and synthesis strategies of GQDs including top-down and bottom-up approaches followed by their applications in PTT (alone and in combination with other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy). Furthermore, we also focus on the systematic study of in vitro and in vivo toxicities of GQDs triggered by PTT. Moreover, an overview of PTT along with the synergetic application used with GQDs for tumor eradication are discussed in detail. Finally, directions, possibilities, and limitations are described to encourage more research, which will lead to new treatments and better health care and bring people closer to the peak of human well-being.

Innovative approaches for cancer treatment: graphene quantum dots for photodynamic and photothermal therapies

“…These unique qualities offer substantial promise for applications in PTT and various biomedical fields. 6 In this context, GQDs could act as a PS themselves or could be used as a carrier for the delivery of other types of PSs and could also improve their photothermal ability, which are described in more detail in the following sections.…”

“…This hyperthermia can selectively damage cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, offering a precise and targeted therapeutic strategy. 6 GQDs can be functionalized to target specific cancer cells by attaching targeting ligands to their surfaces. These functionalized nanomaterials can be employed to selectively accumulate in tumors, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.…”

“…In photothermal therapy (PTT), GQD-based nanosystems absorb light and convert it into heat, leading to localized hyperthermia that is lethal to cancer cells. 6 For instance, a nanocomposite called polydopamine and GQD-capped Prussian blue nanocubes (PB@PDA@GQDs, PBPGs) was fabricated for photothermal cancer therapy with imaging guidance. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, it was observed that PBPGs exhibited superior biocompatibility and enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency.…”

“…8 Furthermore, their biocompatibility and ability to be functionalized with targeting ligands enhance their selectivity and specificity towards cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. 6…”

“…16–18 The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the potential of GQDs in the field of photothermal and photodynamic cancer therapies. There are different review papers in which the photothermal or photodynamic properties of GQDs were evaluated, 6,19–21 but this review offers a fresh perspective by delving into the latest advancements and emerging trends in this field. While existing reviews may have touched upon the basic principles and applications of these therapies, this review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current research landscape, focusing on the efficacy, safety, and potential future directions of GQD-based photothermal/photodynamic cancer treatment.…”