Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Gold Nanostars for Improved SERS Sensing and Drug Delivery

Abstract

Development of novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates and how they interface target analytes plays a pivotal role in determining the spectrum profile and SERS enhancement magnitude, as well as their applications. We present here the seed-mediated growth of reduced graphene oxide-gold nanostar (rGO-NS) nanocomposites and employ them as active SERS materials for anticancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX) loading and release. By this synthetic approach, both the morphology of rGO-NS nanohybrids and the corresponding optical properties can be precisely controlled, with no need of surfactant or polymer stabilizers. The developed rGO-NS nanohybrids show tunable optical properties by simply changing growth reaction parameters, improved stability as compared to bare Au nanostars, and sensitive SERS response toward aromatic organic molecules. Furthermore, SERS applications of rGO-NS to probe DOX loading and pH-dependent release are successfully demonstrated, showing promising potential for drug delivery and chemotherapy.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Controlled Drug Delivery

“…When hybridized with gold or silver nanoparticles, graphene-based nanocarriers can serve as active materials for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) experiments for monitoring the process of drug delivery [37,38,56,59,79]. When hybridized with magnetic nanoparticles, graphene-based nanomaterials can be used as magnetic materials for MR imaging [36,39,46,47,80].…”

“…The as-prepared Au-GO nanohybrid can not only be used for intracellular Raman imaging in HeLa cells, but can also be exploited to deliver DOX into cancer cells for chemotherapy, as shown in Figure 3. Wang and co-workers conjugated Au nanostars onto the surface of rGO through a seed-mediated growth method, and the synthesized Au@rGO nanocomposites showed an improved colloidal stability, and sensitive SERS response toward Raman-active molecules [79]. These nanocomposites can be used as an active SERS material for anticancer DOX loading and pH-dependent release.…”

Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Theranostic Applications

“…These rGO-NS nanocomposites have the potential to be exploited as a theranostic platform for combined drug delivery and Raman imaging. 144 …”

Apoptosis inducing ability of silver decorated highly reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites in A549 lung cancer

“…For instance, in several studies on the delivery of the anticancer drug doxorubicin, it has been revealed that graphene oxide (GRO) played an effective role in the delivery and release of the drug into the targeted cancer cell. 15,16 Apart from this, several other studies have also been published regarding the applications of graphene and graphene-based materials for various biological purposes due to their extraordinary physicochemical properties, such as mechanical properties, electrical properties, electrochemical properties, and thermal conductivity. 14,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] However, despite the recent surge in such studies, a lot more needs to be done in order to fully exploit the potential of graphene-based materials in biological applications.…”

“…28 Additionally, trace amounts of toxic-reducing agents present on the surface of these materials could seriously affect the potential properties of highly reduced graphene oxide (HRG) and have undesirable effects on its biological applications. 16 Whereas, the green synthesis of graphene-based materials involves biocompatible ingredients under physiological conditions of temperature and pressure. 29,30 Among various methods, plant extract (PE)-based syntheses of graphene and graphene-based materials have attracted significant attention due to their bulk availability, biocompatibility, and low cost.…”