Polymer-Graphene Nanoassemblies and their Applications in Cancer Theranostics

Abstract

Background and objective: Graphene-based nanomaterials have received increasing attention due to their unique physical-chemical properties including two-dimensional planar structure, large surface area, chemical and mechanical stability, superconductivity and good biocompatibility. On the other hand, graphene-based nanomaterials have been explored as theranostics agents, the combination of therapeutics and diagnostics. In recent years, grafting hydrophilic polymer moieties have been introduced as an efficient approach to improve the properties of graphene-based nanomaterials and obtain new nanoassemblies for cancer therapy. Methods and results: This review would illustrate biodistribution, cellular uptake and toxicity of polymergraphene nanoassemblies and summarize part of successes achieved in cancer treatment using such nanoassemblies. Conclusion: The observations showed successful targeting functionality of the polymer-GO conjugations and demonstrated a reduction of the side effects of anti-cancer drugs for normal tissues.