Simultaneous co-delivery of a reporter EGFP gene and doxorubicin to HepG2 cells using AuNPs-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanostructures.

AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While doxorubicin (DOX) demonstrates efficacy, its associated toxicity is considerable, necessitating innovative strategies to reduce dosage and adverse effects. This study aimed to develop a graphene oxide - gold nanoparticle (GO-AuNP) nanocarrier designed to deliver DOX alongside an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid to improve therapeutic effectiveness against HCC. METHODS: AuNPs-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanostructures were engineered for the co-delivery of DOX and EGFP. The transfection efficiency of the drug delivery nanocarrier, the release kinetics of the drugs, and the cytotoxic effects on cells were assessed using HepG2 and L929 cell lines. RESULTS: The GO-Au nanocarriers demonstrated a controlled release of DOX, significantly inhibiting the proliferation of HepG2 cells at the 72-hour mark. Fluorescence imaging validated the effective transfection of EGFP and the internalization by cells. Importantly, the nanocarriers induced cytotoxicity from DOX at lower doses compared to free DOX, while enhancing the viability of L929 cells. CONCLUSION: The GO-Au nanostructure effectively co-delivered DOX and EGFP into HCC cells, exhibiting improved transfection efficiency, along with reduced toxicity to normal cells. This dual-functional nanoplatform presents a promising approach for real-time monitoring of gene and drug delivery.