Doxorubicin-loaded graphene oxide nanocomposites in cancer medicine: stimuli-responsive carriers, co-delivery and suppressing resistance.

GO nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy maximizes the anti-cancer activity of DOX against cancer cells. Besides DOX delivery, GO nanomaterials are capable of loading anti-cancer agents and genetic tools to minimize drug resistance and enhance the cytolytic impact of DOX in cancer eradication. To enhance DOX accumulation, stimuli-responsive (redox-, light-, enzyme- and pH-sensitive) GO nanoparticles have been developed for DOX delivery. Development of targeted delivery of DOX-loaded GO nanomaterials against cancer cells may be achieved by surface modification of polymers such as polyethylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan. DOX-loaded GO nanoparticles have demonstrated theranostic potential. Hybridization of GO with other nanocarriers such as silica and gold nanoparticles further broadens their potential anti-cancer therapy applications.