Biocompatible nucleus-targeted graphene quantum dots for selective killing of cancer cells via DNA damage.

ABSTRACT: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are nano-sized graphene slices. With their small size, lamellar and aromatic-ring structure, GQDs tend to enter into the cell nucleus and interfere with DNA activity. Thus, GQD alone is expected to be an anticancer reagent. Herein, we developed GQDs that suppress the growth of tumor by selectively damaging the DNA of cancer cells. The amine-functionalized GQDs were modified with nucleus targeting TAT peptides (TAT-NGs) and further grafted with cancer-cell-targeting folic acid (FA) modified PEG via disulfide linkage (FAPEG-TNGs). The resulting FAPEG-TNGs exhibited good biocompatibility, nucleus uptake, and cancer cell targeting. They adsorb on DNA via the π-π and electrostatic interactions, which induce the DNA damage, the upregulation of the cell apoptosis rela

SUBMITTER: Qi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7886873 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature