A chitosan-modified graphene nanogel for noninvasive controlled drug release

A near infrared (NIR) triggered drug delivery platform based on the chitosan-modified chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) incorporated into a thermosensitive nanogel (CGN) was developed. CGN exhibited an NIR-induced thermal effect similar to that of CRGO, reversible thermo-responsive characteristics at 37-42 °C and high doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) loading capacity (48 wt%). The DOX loaded CGN (DOX-CGN) released DOX faster at 42 °C than at 37 °C. The fluorescence images revealed DOX expression in the cytoplasm of cancer cells when incubated with DOX-CGN at 37 °C but in the nucleus at 42 °C. Upon irradiation with NIR light (808 nm), a rapid, repetitive DOX release from the DOX-CGN was observed. Furthermore, the cancer cells incubated with DOX-CGN and irradiated with NIR light displayed significantly greater cytotoxicity than without irradiation owing to NIR-triggered increase in temperature leading to nuclear DOX release. These results demonstrate CGN's promising application for on-demand drug release by NIR light.From the Clinical EditorThese investigators report the successful development of a novel near infrared triggered drug delivery platform based on chitosan-modified chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) incorporated into a thermosensitive nanogel (CGN).

Graphical AbstractThe chitosan-modified thermosensitive graphene nanogel (CGN) exhibits high photothermal responsiveness in the NIR region and shows thermoresponsive reversibility at physiological temperatures. Herein, we demonstrate the NIR-triggered release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) from CGN as a promising technique for on-demand drug release.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (165 K)Download as PowerPoint slide