Graphene oxide-based magnetic fluorescent hybrids for drug delivery and cellular imaging

A graphene oxide (GO)-based multifunctional hybrid has been developed for loading and delivery of anticancer drugs. The GO was functionalized by magnetic/fluorescent SiO2 microsphere via an amidation process. Doxorubicin (DOX) was chosen as a model drug to be loaded onto the GO via π–π stacking and hydrophobic interaction. The loading capacities of DOX to the GO-based magnetic fluorescent hybrids were investigated. The release profiles of DOX from the hybrids were depicted. The fluorescence images of the GO-based magnetic fluorescent hybrids indicated that the hybrids would be an effective drug carrier and a potential optical imaging tool. The application of the developed GO-based magnetic fluorescent hybrids for HepG2 cells demonstrated an excellent therapeutic effect of the DOX loaded hybrids to the target tumor.