Aptamer-functionalized magnetic graphene oxide nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery of paclitaxel

Targeted drug delivery has come out as a golden system owing to its capability to reduce side effects and increase efficacy. The application of graphene oxide (GO) based nanomaterials for targeted delivery has recently attracted several researchers because of their advantageous properties. Herein, we have attempted to prepare aptamer-conjugated magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) nanocarrier, which can specifically target tumor cells. MGO nanocarriers were prepared by attaching Fe3O4 on the layer of GO and then, aptamer (APT) was linked as a targeting moiety. Paclitaxel (PAC), an anti-cancer drug, was also loaded on the nanocarrier. PAC loading and in vitro release results revealed a very good loading performance with entrapment efficiency 95.75% and high pH-responsive release. Cellular toxicity assay showed MGO nanocarriers are biocompatible having cell viability greater than 80% for L-929 fibroblast cell line. Besides, high cytotoxic effect was observed for PAC and PAC loaded MGO (MGO@PAC) on MCF-7 cancer cells, at different drug doses. Furthermore, flow cytometry investigation reveals that the obtained nanocarrier can specifically bind to MCF-7 cancer cells. Therefore, based on the results the prepared superparamagnetic nanocarrier could be considered as a promising agent for cancer drug delivery systems. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.