International Journal of Nanomedicine (Jun 2024)

Graphene-Based Photodynamic Therapy and Overcoming Cancer Resistance Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Review

  • Dilenko H,
  • Bartoň Tománková K,
  • Válková L,
  • Hošíková B,
  • Kolaříková M,
  • Malina L,
  • Bajgar R,
  • Kolářová H

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 19
pp. 5637 – 5680

Abstract

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Hanna Dilenko, Kateřina Bartoň Tománková, Lucie Válková, Barbora Hošíková, Markéta Kolaříková, Lukáš Malina, Robert Bajgar, Hana Kolářovpartment of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech RepublicCorrespondence: Kateřina Bartoň Tománková, Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hněvotinska 3, Olomouc, 77900, Czech Republic, Tel +420 733 690 914, Email [email protected]: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive therapy that has made significant progress in treating different diseases, including cancer, by utilizing new nanotechnology products such as graphene and its derivatives. Graphene-based materials have large surface area and photothermal effects thereby making them suitable candidates for PDT or photo-active drug carriers. The remarkable photophysical properties of graphene derivates facilitate the efficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation, which destroys cancer cells. Surface functionalization of graphene and its materials can also enhance their biocompatibility and anticancer activity. The paper delves into the distinct roles played by graphene-based materials in PDT such as photosensitizers (PS) and drug carriers while at the same time considers how these materials could be used to circumvent cancer resistance. This will provide readers with an extensive discussion of various pathways contributing to PDT inefficiency. Consequently, this comprehensive review underscores the vital roles that graphene and its derivatives may play in emerging PDT strategies for cancer treatment and other medical purposes. With a better comprehension of the current state of research and the existing challenges, the integration of graphene-based materials in PDT holds great promise for developing targeted, effective, and personalized cancer treatments.Keywords: graphene quantum dots, graphene oxide, cancer research, photosensitizers, drug delivery

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