Graphene/carbohydrate polymer composites as emerging hybrid materials in tumor therapy and diagnosis

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-12, Vol.287, p.138621, Article 138621
• Main Authors: Zhang, Zhenwang, Wang, Jinxiang, Hou, Lingmi, Zhu, Dan, Xiao, Hai-Juan, Wang, Kaili
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbohydrate polymers; Drug and gene delivery; Graphene
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138621

Despite the introduction of various types of treatments for cancer control, cancer therapy faces several challenges such as aggressive behavior, heterogeneous characteristics, and the development of resistance. In contrast, the methods have depended on the creation and formulation of nanoparticles to impede tumor growth. Carbon nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention for cancer therapy, with graphene nanoparticles emerging as promising vehicles for delivering drugs and genes. Moreover, graphene composites can enhance immunotherapy, phototherapy, and combination therapies. Nonetheless, the biocompatibility and toxicity of graphene composites present difficulties. Consequently, this manuscript assesses the alteration of graphene nanocomposites using carbohydrate polymers. Altering graphene composites with carbohydrate polymers such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, cellulose, and starch can enhance their efficacy in cancer treatment. Furthermore, graphene composites functionalized with carbohydrate polymers for tumor ablation induced by phototherapy. Graphene oxide and graphene quantum dots have been modified with carbohydrate polymers to enhance their therapeutic and diagnostic uses. These nanoparticles can transport gene therapy techniques like siRNA in the treatment of cancer. Despite the breakdown of these nanoparticles within the body, they maintain excellent biosafety and biocompatibility. •Graphene/polymer composites are promising carriers for drugs and genes in cancer therapy.•Graphene/carbohydrate polymers composites reveal improved functions in cancer therapy.•Carbohydrate polymer/modified graphene composites materialize cancer phototherapy.•Carbohydrate polymer/modified graphene composites deliver siRNA and drugs.