| Abstract | The objective of this research is to develop, optimize and test graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and graphene oxide (GO) for imaging, sensing, and drug delivery. GO and GQDs both possess properties beneficial for molecular drug delivery/imaging/sensing applications. GO exhibits pH-dependent fluorescence in the visible tailing into near-infrared, is water soluble and has a substantial platform for functionalization with multiple therapeutics. GQDs are beneficial for their biocompatibility, small size ( 5 nm), ease in synthesis, and high yield fluorescence in the visible and near-infrared. We explore the imaging and sensing capabilities of GO and GQDs in vitro via their intrinsic fluorescence, pH-dependence of their emission for detection of acidic cancerous environments, and capabilities for in vitro transport of therapeutics. As a result, we expect GO and GQDs to introduce a new paradigm, becoming multi-functional agents for imaging, sensing, and drug delivery advancing scientific approach to cancer treatment and therapeutics. |
