Nano graphene oxide sheet (nanoGO) was non-covalently functionalized with Pluronic block copolymer and complexed with methylene blue, a hydrophilic and positively charged photosensitizer, via electrostatic interaction for combined photodynamic-photothermal therapy of cancer. Pluronic coating of nanoGO ensured its stability in biological fluids. NanoGO plays dual role of a photothermal material as well as a delivery agent for photosensitizer. The release of the photosensitizer from nanoGO surface was pH-dependent and an acidic condition increased the release rate considerably. This nanocomplex showed enhanced uptake by cancer cells than normal cells and in the absence of light it showed no major toxicity towards the cells. In contrast, when irradiated with selective NIR laser lights, it induced significant cell death. Intravenous injection of the complex into tumor bearing mice showed high tumor accumulation, and when the tumors were exposed to NIR lights, it caused total ablation of tumor tissue through the combined action of photodynamic and photothermal effects. This work shows the potential of nanoGO for synergistic combination phototherapy of tumor in vivo.
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