Innovative Graphene Oxide-Folic Acid-MoS2 Nanocomposite for Targeted Near-Infrared Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Qenawi, Nayer; Abd-El Aziz, Asmaa M.; Tawfik, Walid; Elfeky, Souad A.

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.358734.11274

Innovative Graphene Oxide-Folic Acid-MoS2 Nanocomposite for Targeted Near-Infrared Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, LAMPA Department, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt.

² Fabrication Technology Research Department, Advanced Technology and New Materials Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt.

10.21608/ejchem.2025.358734.11274

Abstract

Cancer, a leading cause of death globally, poses a growing challenge to public health due to increasing population and aging demographics. This study presents a graphene oxide-folic acid-molybdenum disulfide (GO-FA-MoS2) nanohybrid optimized for targeted, minimally invasive cancer therapy under near-infrared (NIR) light. Its photothermal conversion efficiency and selective targeting of cancer cells are validated through advanced spectroscopic methods, showcasing its potential in clinical applications. By merging the fields of laser physics and nanotechnology, this research introduces a bio-compatible smart nanocomposite that excels in targeted therapeutic efficacy. The nanohybrid synthesis involved an optimized Hummer's method for producing graphene oxide (GO), which was then functionalized with folic acid (FA) to target folate receptor-overexpressing cancer cells, enhancing the specificity of the therapy. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), integrated for its outstanding NIR absorption and photothermal conversion capabilities, was layered with the functionalized GO, creating a potent platform for photothermal cancer therapy.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy validated the nanocomposite's successful synthesis and structural integrity. XRD analysis revealed characteristic peaks indicating the crystalline nature of MoS2 and the successful integration with graphene oxide. Raman spectroscopy showed distinct shifts in the D and G bands of graphene oxide, suggesting modifications due to the conjugation with MoS2 and folic acid. Furthermore, UV-visible-NIR spectroscopy illustrated the unique optical properties of the nanohybrid, with significant absorption peaks corresponding to MoS2 and FA, crucial for effective photothermal action and drug delivery, respectively. These analytical results validate the composite's design and functional attributes, promising a new frontier in targeted and efficient cancer treatment with significant implications for future clinical applications.

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