USE OF "GREEN" FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE OXIDE AS A MESSAGE CARRIER INTO NEUROBLASTOMA/GLIOBLASTOMA CELL LINES AND INTO THREE DIMENSIONAL IN VITRO MODELS.
Graphene is a widely studied and used nano material for its peculiar properties. In particular, graphene oxide (GO) has been used in medicine because of its low toxicity. One interesting and yet unknown application comes from the possibility to use GO to deliver molecules into the cells. In fact GO can be functionalized by using its natural COOH groups that allow binding of biomolecules.
In this context, our project aims to use a new technology for obtaining metal free GO that can be used to deliver more effectively exogenous molecules to tumor cells to interfere with vital functions.
Initially we will determine the intracellular accumulation of fluorescent GO to individuate the localization and the effect in term of cell death and transformation.
Next, we will use an GO-anti HMGB1 to deliver an antibody to tumor cells with the aim to modify their vitality, migration and invasion. In particular, we will study induction of apoptosis, autophagy and stemness in cells treated with GO-anti HMGB1.
In conclusion our study will give the possibility to demonstrate that functionalized GO can be used to increase the efficacy of anti-tumor strategies by delivering biomolecules to tumor cells.