Synthesis and characterization of dual pH-and thermo-responsive graphene-based nanocarrier for effective anticancer drug delivery

Abstract In the present work, the surface of graphene oxides (GO) have been modified with biodegradable and hydrophilic polymeric compounds, poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) and poly(glycolic acid) over covalent functionalization for effectual loading and release of oxaliplatin anticancer drug. The oxaliplatin was loaded onto the graphene oxide surface of GO-PNVCL-PGA composite by the π-π interactions. The release profile of oxaliplatin from GO-PNVCL-PGA was carried out at two different pHs (5.4 and 7.4) and temperatures (27 and 45 °C). The DSC analyze confirmed that the modification of PNVCL with polyglycolide caused to change transition temperatures range from 32 to 34 °C to the normal body temperature range (36–37 °C). Also, the cytotoxicity effects of oxaliplatin, GO-PNVCL-PGA, and oxaliplatin loaded GO-PNVCL-PGA on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was estimated via MTT assay. The outcomes indicated that the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin loaded GO-PNVCL-PGA was higher than free oxaliplatin. Mainly, oxaliplatin loaded GO-PNVCL-PGA has a more cytotoxic effect than GO-PNVCL-PGA against cancer cells, which was representing that oxaliplatin loaded GO-PNVCL-PGA can be applied as encouraging compound for biological utilization and drug delivery carriers.