Multi-functionalization of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets for tumor theragnosis: Synthesis, characterization, enzyme assay, in-silico study, radiolabeling and in vivo targeting evaluation

Daru. 2024 Jun;32(1):77-95. doi: 10.1007/s40199-023-00487-7. Epub 2023 Dec 11.

Abstract

Background: In this study, a combination of nanotechnology, organic synthesis and radiochemistry were utilized in order to design an efficient nano-system conjugated with a suitable radionuclide and an antitumor agent for possible application as tumor theragnostic agent.

Method: Four novel compounds (3 and 4a-c) bearing tetrahydroquinazoline-7-sulfonohydrazide or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinazoline-7-sulfonamide scaffold were designed. Then, docking study predicted that the compounds can be considered as potential inhibitors for PARP-1. Following that; the four compounds were synthesized and properly characterized using 1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR and Mass spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effect of the four compounds was evaluated against breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-436), where compound 3 showed the most promising cytotoxic effect. The inhibitory effect of the four compounds was evaluated in vitro against PARP-1.

Result: Carboxylated graphene oxide nanosheets (NGO-COOH) were synthesized by a modified Hummer's method and has size of range 40 nm. The NGO-COOH nanosheets were proven to be safe and biocompatible when tested in vitro against normal human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The prepared NGO-COOH nanosheets were conjugated with compound 3 then radiolabeled with 99mTc to yield 99mTc-NGO-COOH-3 with a radiochemical yield of 98.5.0 ± 0.5%. 99mTc-NGO-COOH-3 was injected intravenously in solid tumor bearing mice to study the degree of localization of the nano-system at tumor tissue. The results of the study revealed, excellent localization and retention of the designed nano-system at tumor tissues with targeting ratio of 9.0.

Conclusion: Stirred a new candidate tumor theragnostic agent that is safe, selective and stable.

Keywords: Active targeting; In-silico study; Nano synthesis; Nanographene sheets; PRAP-1 inhibitor; Radiolabeling; Technetium-99m; Tumor imaging; Tumor theragnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Graphite* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 / metabolism
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Graphite
  • graphene oxide
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
  • PARP1 protein, human