ZnO–Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Paclitaxel Delivery and Enhanced Toxicity in Breast Cancer Cells

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Lorenzo Francesco Madeo - , Kurt Schwabe Institut Meinsberg, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Christine Schirmer - , Kurt Schwabe Institut Meinsberg (Author)
  • Giuseppe Cirillo - , University of Calabria (Author)
  • Ayah Nader Asha - , Palestine Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Rasha Ghunaim - , Palestine Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Samuel Froeschke - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Daniel Wolf - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Manuela Curcio - , University of Calabria (Author)
  • Paola Tucci - , University of Calabria (Author)
  • Francesca Iemma - , University of Calabria (Author)
  • Bernd Büchner - , Chair of Experimental Solid State Physics, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Silke Hampel - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Michael Mertig - , Chair of Physical Chemistry / Measurement and Sensor Technology, Kurt Schwabe Institut Meinsberg (Author)

Abstract

A ZnO-Graphene oxide nanocomposite (Z-G) was prepared in order to exploit the biomedical features of each component in a single anticancer material. This was achieved by means of an environmentally friendly synthesis, taking place at a low temperature and without the involvement of toxic reagents. The product was physicochemically characterized. The ZnO-to-GO ratio was determined through thermogravimetric analysis, while scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to provide insight into the morphology of the nanocomposite. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, it was possible to confirm that the graphene flakes were homogeneously coated with ZnO. The crystallite size of the ZnO nanoparticles in the new composite was determined using X-ray powder diffraction. The capacity of Z-G to enhance the toxicity of the anticancer drug Paclitaxel towards breast cancer cells was assessed via a cell viability study, showing the remarkable anticancer activity of the obtained system. Such results support the potential use of Z-G as an anticancer agent in combination with a common chemotherapeutic like Paclitaxel, leading to new chemotherapeutic formulations.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number3770
JournalMolecules
Volume29
Issue number16
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 39202850

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • cancer therapy, graphene oxide, nanocomposite, Paclitaxel delivery, zinc oxide nanoparticles