Title:Role of Graphene Nano-Composites in Cancer Therapy: Theranostic Applications, Metabolic Fate and Toxicity Issues
Volume: 16
Issue: 5
Author(s): Mahfoozur Rahman, Mohammad Zaki Ahmad, Javed Ahmad, Jamia Firdous, Farhan Jalees Ahmad, Gohar Mushtaq, Mohammad A. Kamal and Sohail Akhter
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Biodistribution and excretion, cancer therapy, disposition, graphene, graphene oxide, inorganic nanoparticles, metabolism,
nanomedicine, theranostics.
Abstract: Graphene and its modified nano-composites have gained much attention in recent times in cancer therapy
as nanotheranostics due to low production cost, ease in synthesis and physicochemical properties (ultra-large
surface area with planar structure and π-π conjugation with the unsaturated and aromatic drugs/biomolecules) being
favorable for multiple payloads and drug targeting. Yet, graphene nano-composites are a relatively new and rapid development. The
adoption of graphene nano-composites in cancer nanobiomedicine research raises questions about in vivo metabolism and disposition as
well as biological interaction and safety profile of these nano-particles. Limited in-vitro and in-vivo findings are available in literature,
indicating the inconsistencies about the factors affecting in-vivo bio-interaction and toxicity. Presently, there is a lack of anticipated biodistribution
and toxicity pattern of graphene. It appears that surface functionalization, biocompatible coating, and size are the key factors
in determining the metabolic fate of graphene nano-composites. In-vitro and in-vivo toxicity data suggests that graphene nano-composites
exhibit dose and size dependent toxicity. This review summarizes up-to-date research outcome of this promising inorganic nanomaterial
for cancer therapy. Moreover, the metabolic fate and toxicity issues of graphene and its nano-composites shall also be discussed in detail.