Multifunctional aptamer-conjugated magnetite graphene oxide/chlorin e6 nanocomposite for combined chemo-phototherapy

Abstract

Herein, aptamer-functionalized magnetite Fe3O4@graphene oxide/photosensitizer nanocomposite was designed and prepared for chemo-photothermal/photodynamic therapies. Chlorin e6 (Ce6, as a photosensitizer) is used to conjugate with magnetite graphene oxide (Fe3O4@GO). The structure of Fe3O4@GO@Ce6 nanocomposite was characterized by using FTIR, UV, TGA, XRD, VSM and TEM methods. An antineoplastic drug, paclitaxel (Pac), was loaded onto Fe3O4@GO@Ce6 nanocomposite, forming a Fe3O4@GO@Ce6@Pac nanocomplex. The Fe3O4@GO@Ce6 nanocomposite was functionalized with aptamer (Apt) for selective killing of MCF-7 tumor cells. Fe3O4@GO@Ce6@Pac nanocomposite offers a notably enhanced tumor cell photodynamic destruction impact compared to free Ce6. It is displayed that the photothermal impact of magnetite Fe3O4@GO@Ce6 nanocomposite can be used to promote the Ce6 release when irradiated to a near-infrared laser at a low power density, further improving the photodynamic therapy efficiency on tumor cells. It is observed that the Fe3O4@GO@Ce6 nanocomposite possessed good colloidal/photo stability, biocompatibility, and high loading capacity for Pac. Furthermore, compared to the free Ce6, the Fe3O4@GO@Ce6@Apt-Pac nanocomposite display significantly enhanced photodynamic efficacy. Due to its intrinsic optical features, ultrahigh specific surface area, targeting ability, and unique physical interactions with aromatic active agents, Fe3O4@GO@Ce6@Apt-Pac is a promising new nanomaterial for medical and biological applications.