title: Role of Graphene Nano-Composites in Cancer Therapy: Theranostic Applications, Metabolic Fate and Toxicity Issues.
abstract: Graphene and its modified nano-composites have gained much attention in recent times in cancer therapy as nanotheranostics due to low production cost, ease in synthesis and physicochemical properties (ultra-large surface area with planar structure and π-π conjugation with the unsaturated and aromatic drugs/biomolecules) being favorable for multiple payloads and drug targeting. Yet, graphene nano-composites are a relatively new and rapid development. The adoption of graphene nano-composites in cancer nanobiomedicine research raises questions about in vivo metabolism and disposition as well as biological interaction and safety profile of these nano-particles. Limited in-vitro and in-vivo findings are available in literature, indicating the inconsistencies about the factors affecting in-vivo bio-interaction and toxicity. Presently, there is a lack of anticipated biodistribution and toxicity pattern of graphene. It appears that surface functionalization, biocompatible coating, and size are the key factors in determining the metabolic fate of graphene nano-composites. In-vitro and in-vivo toxicity data suggests that graphene nano-composites exhibit dose and size dependent toxicity. This review summarizes up-to-date research outcome of this promising inorganic nanomaterial for cancer therapy. Moreover, the metabolic fate and toxicity issues of graphene and its nano-composites shall also be discussed in detail.
authors.forename: Mahfoozur
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.forename: Mohammad Zaki
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Javed
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Jamia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Firdous
authors.forename: Farhan Jalees
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Gohar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mushtaq
authors.forename: Mohammad A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kamal
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands. sohailakhtermph@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Sohail
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006108:Graphite / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D053761:Nanocomposites; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010316:Particle Size; D000068936:Theranostic Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006108:Graphite