A molecularly imprinted composite based on graphene oxide for targeted drug delivery to tumor cells

Conventional cancer chemotherapy presents relevant limitations associated with the non-selectivity of cytotoxic drugs, their narrow therapeutic indices and limited cellular penetration. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) prepared using molecular imprinted technology has the advantages such as high stability against chemical and enzymatic attack, high selectivity for a specific template, and the capability of resistance to harsh environment. In this research, the MIP with cancer antigen 125 (CA125) tumor markers as template molecule, combined with molecular imprinting technique was prepared on the surface of graphene oxide for drug delivery. As a result the prepared composite had the properties of specific binding to CA125 and biocompatibility. Along with this, the composites could target specific tumor cell by the capture of CA125. CA125-molecularly imprinted polymers as a recognition element for the tumor cell could eliminate the use of antibody, enhance stability and prolong the retention time of drugs surrounding them. Ultimately, this method developed a cost-effective and stable way to target tumor cell for drug delivery.