Polyethylenimine Coated Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeting Mitochondria in Cancer Cells

Abstract

Mitochondrion, the powerhouse of the cells, controls bioenergetics, biosynthesis, metabolism, and signaling. Consequently, it has become an unorthodox target for cancer therapeutics. However, specific targeting of mitochondria into subcellular milieu in cancer cells remains a major challenge. To address this, we have engineered polyethylenimine cloaked positively charged self-assembled graphene oxide nanoparticle (PEI-GTC-NP) comprising topotecan and cisplatin concurrently. These PEI-GTC-NPs effectively homed into mitochondria in HeLa cervical cancer cells at 6 h and impaired mitochondria leading to reactive oxygen species generation followed by remarkably improved cancer cell death. This platform can be used for specific subcellular organelle targeting for future cancer therapy.