Abstract 5759: Design of Au-graphene quantum dot nanocomposite as a potential drug delivery system to solubilize Tetrandrine

Abstract

Abstract Prostate cancer, along with various other types of cancer, has been a prominent focus in medical and clinical discussions for many years due to its high fatality rates and significant health risks. To enhance oncological healthcare, various methods and technologies, such as drug delivery systems (DDS), have been extensively studied. Developing an effective DDS offers distinct advantages compared to other approaches to anticancer drug treatment. Some anticancer drug molecules possess unfavorable properties that directly impact metabolism and solubility, issues that DDS aims to address. Recent progress in nanomaterial synthesis has introduced innovative and efficient drug systems, providing a new perspective on cancer treatments. Gold nanoparticles, particularly in conjunction with semiconductor graphene quantum dots (GQDs), play a role in creating a unified carrier system applicable to multiple therapeutic methods. The choice of graphene quantum dots is based on their widespread applications and diverse benefits, ranging from compatible size and core-shell chemistry richness to substantial progress in achieving signal homogeneity by reducing the distance between molecules and substrate. The selected model for the DDS is the hydrophobic alkaloid Tetrandrine. Despite its use in treating conditions such as hypertension, and arthritis, and exhibiting anti-cancer activities, Tetrandrine is highly insoluble as an anti-cancer drug, with a solubility of 24.1 μmol/L [15 μg/mL] in water and only 5mM in ethanol and DMSO. This research aims to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic Tetrandrine by incorporating it into gold graphene quantum dot nanocomposites, serving as a potential drug delivery system for combating prostate cancer. The synthesis of nanocomposites (Au-GQD, Au-NGQD, Au-SGQD) and Tetrandrine-loaded products (AuGQD-T, AuNGQD-T, AuSGQD-T) will be examined. Additionally, the properties of Tetrandrine loaded onto the nanoparticles will be scrutinized and characterized using NMR spectroscopy, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectrum analyses. Citation Format: MiaSara Perez Salvá, Nataniel Medina-Berrios, Brad Weiner, Gerardo Morell Marrero. Design of Au-graphene quantum dot nanocomposite as a potential drug delivery system to solubilize Tetrandrine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5759.