Researchers at Okayama University, Japan, have developed a new nanomaterial that can target cancer cells and deliver drugs more effectively. The material, called graphene oxide-polyglycerol-DMMA (GOPG-DMMA), is designed to change its charge in response to the slightly acidic environment of a tumor, allowing it to bind to and enter cancer cells. The team, led by Professor Yuta Nishina, found that the material’s surface chemistry can be controlled to achieve a balance between safety in the bloodstream and optimal positive charge in the tumor environment. The study, published in the journal Small, showed that the GOPG-DMMA material can accumulate in tumor sites with fewer side effects and reduce harm to healthy tissue. The researchers believe that this discovery can lead to more precise and effective cancer treatments and open new avenues for “theranostics” that integrate diagnosis and treatment. The study is part of a growing international collaboration to develop smart nanomaterials for healthcare, and the researchers plan to continue pushing the limits of nanomaterials for better therapies.
Graphene-based nanocarriers with pH-responsive properties: A revolutionary advancement in targeted cancer treatment delivery.
