We
previously reported that graphene oxide could enhance nuclease activity
of copper complex containing aromatic ligands, thus exhibit the potential
for applications in anticancer therapy. However, the functional mechanism
of graphene oxide is not well understood. In this work, using graphene
quantum dots (GQDs), which have smaller lateral size, better biocompatibility,
and a conjugate state higher than that of graphene oxide, we investigated
systematically the mechanism of GQDs in enhancing nuclease activity
of copper complexes. Through a variety of spectroscopic methods, we
found that GQDs promote the reduction of copper ions and accelerate
their reaction with O2, forming superoxide anions and copper-centered
radicals. These active species then oxidize DNA molecules. The improvement
in the reduction of copper complexes can be attributed to the coordination
of the GQDs to the copper center of the complex, leading to an efficient
electron-transfer from the electron-rich GQDs to the copper complexes.
The fundamental understanding of the role of the GQDs in DNA cleavage
by the transition complexes is promising for the discovery of anticancer
therapeutics. More importantly, unique and rich three-dimensional
structures of metal complexes also make it possible to prepare highly
active DNA cleavage reagents with a high selectivity for DNA sequences
and structures.