Trifunctional Graphene Quantum Dot@LDH Integrated Nanoprobes for Visualization Therapy of Gastric Cancer

Abstract Visualization technology has become a trend in tumor therapy in recent years. The superior optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) make them suitable candidates for tumor diagnosis, but their tumor targeting and drug‐carrying capacities are still not ideal for treatment. Sulfur‐doped graphene quantum dots (SGQDs) with stable fluorescence are prepared in a previous study. A reliable strategy by associating layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and etoposide (VP16) is designed for precise visualization therapy. Trifunctional LDH@SGQD‐VP16 integrated nanoprobes can simultaneously achieve targeted aggregation, fluorescence visualization, and chemotherapy. LDH@SGQD‐VP16 can accumulate in the tumor microenvironment, owing to pH‐sensitive properties and long‐term photostability in vivo, which can provide a basis for cancer targeting, real‐time imaging, and effect tracking. The enhanced therapeutic and attenuated side effects of VP16 are demonstrated, and the apoptosis caused by LDH@SGQD‐VP16 is ≈2.7 times higher than that of VP16 alone, in HGC‐27 cells. This work provides a theoretical and experimental basis for LDH@SGQD‐VP16 as a potential multifunctional agent for visualization therapy of gastric cancer.