Lipid-Functionalized Graphene Loaded with hMnSOD for Selective Inhibition of Cancer Cells

Combination therapies utilize multiple mechanisms to target cancer cells in order to minimize cancer cell survival. Graphene provides an ideal platform for combination therapy due to its photothermal properties and high loading capacity for cancer-fighting molecules. Lipid-functionalization of graphene extends its potential as a therapeutic platform by improving its biocompatibility and functionality. Previous studies involving graphene demonstrated its usage as a therapeutic vehicle; however, the effect of bare and engineered graphene structures on oxidative stress has not been comprehensively investigated. Because oxidative stress has been linked to cancer progression, it is vital to examine generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to therapeutic platforms. This study functionalizes reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with lipids and the antioxidant enzyme human manganese superoxide dismutase (hMnSOD) and presents a detailed characterization of cellular responses to bare and functionalized rGO n...