EpCAM aptamer integrated graphene nanosystem for combined anti-ovarian cancer therapy

Globally, ovarian cancer is a significant concern that needs to be addressed. In recent years, graphene and graphene-based drug delivery methods have received considerable interest in delivering therapeutic molecules to the desired site. The present investigation aimed to develop a nano-graphene architecture decorated with EpCAM (epithelial cellular adhesion molecule) aptamers for ovarian cancer targeting. Our aptamer-targeted nano-graphene formulations proved efficient and safe in treating ovarian cancer. Among the four formulations prepared (graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), paclitaxel loaded rGO (rGO/PT), and rGO/PT decorated with EpCAM Aptamer (rGO/PT/Apt). rGO/PT/Apt exhibited the most promising results. It displayed remarkable characteristics: a particle size of 105 ± 2 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.122 ± 0.04, surface charge of −36.76 ± 2.4 mV, drug loading efficiency of 59.21 ± 2.9%, and drug encapsulation efficiency of 59.87 ± 6.32%. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed a spherical morphology, indicating rigid and stable structures that may enhance cellular accumulation, offering potential benefits for cancer treatment. Additionally, rGO/PT/Apt demonstrated higher photothermal conversion efficiency (25.0 °C–49.0 °C in 300 s) and controlled drug release under near infra-red (NIR) 808 nm (∼80 % PT released in 24 h). Cell culture analysis employing human ovarian cancer cell line (HEY) cells revealed decreased cell viability (>80% in 24 h), and increased cell uptake, which were more promising when combined with NIR. In summary, our findings underscore the potential of aptamer-targeted nano-graphene as a promising therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer.