Delivery of cancer chemotherapeutics has presented several challenges, including low tumor uptake, inability to monitor distribution in the body and severe side effects for the patient.  To address these issues, FeCo-graphitic carbon nanocrystals are currently being developed as a multi-functional imaging and therapeutic agent.  These 4 nm nanocrystals contain a metal core surrounded by a single layer of graphitic carbon.  The surface of the nanocrystals is non-covalently functionalized with phospholipid-PEG rendering this material highly bio-compatible.  For drug delivery, doxorubicin is loaded onto the graphitic sidewall through pi-pi stacking.  The high optical absorption of nanocrystals in the near-infrared region offers possibilities for photothermal chemotherapy.  in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the enhanced therapeutic effects of combining chemotherapy and photothermal heating to ~43� C.  In addition to treatment, magnetic resonance imaging can be used to monitor tumor uptake and the bio-distribution of this material.

FeCo-Graphitic carbon nanocrystals as multifunctional imaging and therapeutic agents

241st National Meeting (2011)

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