Hyperthermia response of PEGylated magnetic graphene nanocomposites for heating applications and accelerate antibacterial activity using magnetic fluid hyperthermia

Abstract

In this research work, graphene/cobalt nanocomposites are functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to be a platform for theranostics application and antibacterial activity. The non-covalent functionalization of PEG on the surfaces of nanocomposites improved their stability and diminished their cytotoxicity. The PEGylated nanocomposites are demonstrated to allow simultaneous administration of two cancer therapy methods such as magnetic fluids hyperthermia (MFH) which is carried out by converting magnetic energy into heat through ferromagnetic cobalt nanoparticles and heat generation through near-infrared optical absorption by the reduced graphene oxide. A concise simulation is carried out to approximate in vivo conditions and provide a glimpse of practical PEGylated nanocomposites performance. Furthermore, we demonstrate the antimicrobial activity of the PEGylated nanocomposites against Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria under alternative current magnetic field (AMF). The graphene/cobalt/PEG (rGO/Co/PEG) nanocomposites show antibacterial activity toward E. coli bacteria of about 100%, when the bacteria intact with nanocomposites are placed under AMF for 15 min. For comparison, the antimicrobial activities of graphene/PEG sheets and cobalt/PEG nanoparticles are also checked. This study concentrates on the design of novel non-toxic PEGylated nanocomposites to be used for dual hyperthermia therapy and bacteria killing by MFH treatments.