Research summary
Nanographene oxide (NGO) functionalized with branched polyethylene glycol was developed as a carrier for water-insoluble aromatic cancer drugs; the resulting NGO-PEG conjugate, stable in biological solutions, loaded the camptothecin analogue SN38 via pi-pi stacking and produced an NGO-PEG-SN38 complex with high aqueous solubility and cancer-cell-killing potency comparable to free SN38 in organic solvents [1]. Single-layer graphene oxide sheets a few nanometers in lateral width (NGO) were synthesized, functionalized for solubility and biocompatibility, and size-separated; pegylated NGO sheets remained dispersed in buffers and serum, and exhibited intrinsic visible and infrared photoluminescence usable for cellular imaging in conjunction with drug delivery [2]. A review of functional nanomaterials for cancer phototherapies surveys photothermal and photodynamic agents and discusses material design strategies for tumor treatment [3]. PEGylated nanographene sheets were tracked in vivo via fluorescent labeling and showed high passive tumor uptake in several xenograft mouse models, with relatively low retention in the reticuloendothelial system compared with PEGylated carbon nanotubes; the strong optical absorbance of the sheets was used to implement photothermal therapy [4]. Single-walled carbon nanotubes were conjugated to paclitaxel through cleavable ester linkages on branched PEG chains, yielding a water-soluble SWNT-PTX conjugate that suppressed tumor growth in a 4T1 murine breast-cancer model more effectively than clinical Taxol, with prolonged blood circulation and roughly tenfold higher tumor uptake of paclitaxel [5]. A comprehensive review on carbon nanotubes in biology and medicine emphasizes that surface functionalization controls in vitro and in vivo behavior, enabling ultrasensitive detection of biomolecules, label-free electrical biosensing, imaging, and drug delivery [6]. A review of nano-graphene in theranostic biomedicine covers graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and nanocomposites for drug and gene delivery and for near-infrared photothermal tumor therapy [7]. Rare-earth upconversion nanophosphors that emit higher-energy luminescence under continuous-wave near-infrared excitation are reviewed as small-animal imaging probes, with sections on water-soluble synthesis, surface modification, bioconjugation, and tumor-targeted, lymphatic, and vascular imaging [8]. PLGA nanoparticles co-encapsulating indocyanine green and the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (R837) enabled near-infrared photothermal ablation of primary tumors; the resulting tumor-associated antigens combined with R837 acted as a vaccine adjuvant, and pairing with checkpoint blockade controlled metastases and relapses [9]. Hollow MnO2 nanoshells responsive to the tumor microenvironment were developed as a biodegradable platform that modulates the tissue microenvironment, releases a drug, and inhibits tumor growth alone or combined with checkpoint-blockade therapy [10].
Recent publications
- PEGylated Nanographene Oxide for Delivery of Water-Insoluble Cancer DrugsDOI
- Nano-graphene oxide for cellular imaging and drug deliveryDOI
- Functional Nanomaterials for Phototherapies of CancerDOI
- Graphene in Mice: Ultrahigh In Vivo Tumor Uptake and Efficient Photothermal TherapyDOI
- Drug delivery with carbon nanotubes for in vivo cancer treatmentDOI
- Carbon nanotubes in biology and medicine: In vitro and in vivo detection, imaging and drug deliveryDOI
- Nano-graphene in biomedicine: theranostic applicationsDOI
- Upconversion nanophosphors for small-animal imagingDOI
- Photothermal therapy with immune-adjuvant nanoparticles together with checkpoint blockade for effective cancer immunotherapyDOI
- Hollow MnO2 as a tumor-microenvironment-responsive biodegradable nano-platform for combination therapy favoring antitumor immune responsesDOI
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Email Zhuang Liu 6-12 months before your application deadline. Read several recent papers and reference specific work in your message. Use our how to email a Japanese professor guide for the proven email structure.
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External profiles
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1629-1039
- OpenAlex: openalex.org
Profile compiled from public sources (Researchmap, OpenAlex, Kumamoto University faculty directory). Last refreshed 2026-05. Report incorrect information.