Bacteria-enhanced graphene oxide nanoparticles provide triple-action tumor eradication

Modern cancer treatments have evolved beyond traditional chemotherapy to include targeted approaches such as immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and photothermal therapy.

Graphene oxide (GO), known for its biocompatibility, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and large surface area, has emerged as a promising material for both drug delivery and thermal-based tumor destruction. However, its clinical application remains limited due to challenges in dispersibility and large-scale production.

To overcome these limitations, Professor Eijiro Miyako and his research team from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) have developed a novel GO nanocomposite enhanced with bacterial components.

Using this concept, the researchers designed a GO-based nanocomposite containing Cutibacterium acnes (CA) bacterial components and the chemotherapy drug camptothecin (CPT). These nanoparticles eradicate tumors through a three-pronged mechanism: bacterial components activate the immune system, CPT delivers localized chemotherapy, and GO facilitates photothermal therapy.

Image source: Eijiro Miyako, JAIST.