CD44 receptor-driven graphene oxide based nanocarriers for cancer therapy - 04/02/26
, Michaela Gapčová a, b, Zuzana Chaloupková a, Václav Ranc a, c, ⁎ 
Abstract |
Interactions between hyaluronic acid (HA) and the CD44 receptor represent a key mechanism in tumor cell recognition and selective drug uptake. In this study, we compare the efficacy of a graphene oxide (GO)-based nanoplatform in two cell lines with markedly different CD44 expression levels. The aim is to investigate how HA functionalization and its concentration influence the biological behavior of these GO nanocarriers designed for targeted delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). The nanoplatform was prepared by sequential PEGylation of nanosized GO, followed by HA conjugation at three concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL) and subsequent DOX loading. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses confirmed stepwise surface modification, formation of a stable polymer coating, and successful DOX incorporation through π–π stacking and hydrogen bonding. Biological assays demonstrated that HA enhances CD44-mediated internalization and increases anticancer activity in CD44⁺ HT-1080 cells, while the GO@PEG carrier alone showed minimal cytotoxicity, highlighting its good biocompatibility. In contrast, CD44⁻ SKBR3 cells displayed limited uptake and higher viability, consistent with weaker HA–CD44 interactions and lower receptor expression. Confocal microscopy and Raman spectroscopy visualized effective intracellular accumulation and perinuclear localization of the nanocarrier, further confirming selective internalization mechanisms. Overall, the results provide important insight into the role of HA in improving the specificity, cellular uptake, and safety of GO-based nanoplatforms. The study underscores the significance of CD44 receptor levels in determining therapeutic efficiency and supports the development of receptor-targeted, biocompatible nanocarrier systems for precision cancer therapy.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Schematic illustration of the synthesis, functionalization, and biological mechanism of the GO@PEG–HA–DOX nanoplatform. Graphene oxide nanosheets were sequentially functionalized with 8-arm PEG–NH₂ and HA, followed by the loading of DOX. The stepwise surface modification enhanced colloidal stability, biocompatibility, and provided active targeting capability through HA–CD44 receptor recognition. The schematic highlights the multi-step assembly process — from pristine GO to PEGylated and HA-conjugated GO loaded with DOX — and its selective interaction with cancer cells expressing CD44 receptors. The HA-functionalized nanoplatform exhibits enhanced cellular uptake and drug accumulation in CD44⁺ cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, whereas minimal binding and internalization occur in CD44⁻ cells, confirming the role of HA in selective tumor targeting and improved therapeutic efficacy.
Schematic illustration of the synthesis, functionalization, and biological mechanism of the GO@PEG–HA–DOX nanoplatform. Graphene oxide nanosheets were sequentially functionalized with 8-arm PEG–NH₂ and HA, followed by the loading of DOX. The stepwise surface modification enhanced colloidal stability, biocompatibility, and provided active targeting capability through HA–CD44 receptor recognition. The schematic highlights the multi-step assembly process — from pristine GO to PEGylated and HA-conjugated GO loaded with DOX — and its selective interaction with cancer cells expressing CD44 receptors. The HA-functionalized nanoplatform exhibits enhanced cellular uptake and drug accumulation in CD44⁺ cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, whereas minimal binding and internalization occur in CD44⁻ cells, confirming the role of HA in selective tumor targeting and improved therapeutic efficacy. Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.
Keywords : Targeted drug delivery, Anticancer therapy, Hyaluronic acid, Doxorubicin, CD44
Plan
Vol 195
Article 119036- février 2026 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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