Advancements in Cancer Treatment: Harnessing the Synergistic Potential of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials in Combination Therapy

Graphene Nanocomposites in the Targeting Tumor Microenvironment: Recent Advances in TME Reprogramming

Graphene-based materials (GBMs) have shown significant promise in cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization. Their ability to target solid tumors, penetrate the tumor microenvironment (TME), and act as efficient drug delivery platforms highlights their potential in nanomedicine. However, the complex and dynamic nature of the TME, characterized by metabolic heterogeneity, immune suppression, and drug resistance, poses significant challenges to effective cancer treatment. GBMs offer innovative solutions by enhancing tumor targeting, facilitating deep tissue penetration, and modulating metabolic pathways that contribute to tumor progression and immune evasion. Their functionalization with targeting ligands and biocompatible polymers improves their biosafety and specificity, while their ability to modulate immune cell interactions within the TME presents new opportunities for immunotherapy. Given the role of metabolic reprogramming in tumor survival and resistance, GBMs could be further exploited in metabolism-targeted therapies by disrupting glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and lipid metabolism to counteract the immunosuppressive effects of the TME. This review focuses on discussing research studies that design GBM nanocomposites with enhanced biodegradability, minimized toxicity, and improved efficacy in delivering therapeutic agents with the intention to reprogram the TME for effective anticancer therapy. Additionally, exploring the potential of GBM nanocomposites in combination with immunotherapies and metabolism-targeted treatments could lead to more effective and personalized cancer therapies. By addressing these challenges, GBMs could play a pivotal role in overcoming current limitations in cancer treatment and advancing precision oncology.

An Enhanced Bimetallic Optical Fiber SPR Biosensor Using Graphene Oxide for the Label-Free and Sensitive Detection of Human IgG

A fiber-reinforced SPR sensor based on silver-nucleated gold-shell bimetallic nanoparticles and graphene oxide was developed and applied to human IgG detection. The refractive index (RI) sensitivity of the Ag@Au/GO fiber SPR sensor is as high as 4715.9 nm/RIU in the RI range of 1.333-1.365. Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SPA) can specifically recognize and bind to the fragment crystallizable (Fc) of the antibody; it facilitates the highly targeted immobilization of the antibody. SPA and rabbit anti-human IgG were immobilized on the surface of the Ag@Au/GO fiber SPR sensor for the detection of different concentrations of human IgG with a sensitivity of 0.53 nm/μg/mL and detection limits of 0.037 μg/mL. This biosensor based on the mixed structure of GO and Ag@Au combined the common advantages of the two materials. Therefore, our study provides a simple platform for biological analysis and has a good application prospect.