Electrochemically Engineered GQDs for Selective Tumor Targeting and Oxidative Nanotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

ABSTRACT: We report a rapid and sustainable electrochemical method for producing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from defect-rich graphene sheets using vitamin C as a redox-buffered exfoliant and sodium hydroxide to control the ionic environment. The resulting GQDs (3-10 nm) exhibit excitation-dependent green fluorescence, high aqueous dispersibility (ζ = -28.3 mV), and moderate oxidation with abundant oxygen functionalities. In vitro studies reveal selective cytotoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells via intracellular ROS generation, while sparing normal fibroblasts. In vivo fluorescence imaging in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice confirms preferential tumor accumulation, renal clearance, and systemic biocompatibility, supported by blood biochemistry and histopathology.

SUBMITTER: Dar MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12824966 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature