Novel probe with iRGD integrated graphene oxide nanoparticles and labeled with 131I for detection of thyroid papillary carcinoma cells

Integrating multiple targets and hence bio-distribution effectively for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) treatment remains a significant challenge, which can be addressed by using suitable nano-scale materials. Herein, iRGD-modified graphene oxide (GO) loaded ¹³¹I are developed for the specific treatment of PTC strengthened integrin targeting. Fine structural characteristics of GO and GO-iRGDs were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEC), Raman spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that there were characteristic peaks and chemical bonds on GO and GO-iRGDs by FT-IR, the D-peak and G-peak of GO disappeared by Raman spectrum and C-N bond with iRGD of GO-iRGDs were strong by XPS. These ¹³¹I-GO-iRGDs and ¹³¹I-GOs were taken up by PTC cell (TPC-1, BCPAP, and IHH-4) through endocytosis after 48 h and 72 h in cell uptake test, especially the uptake rate of ¹³¹I-GO50-iRGD was the highest. The CCK-8 cytotoxicity test of ¹³¹I-GO-iRGDs and ¹³¹I-GOs showed that these nanoparticles toxicity were higher than that of Na¹³¹I and finally promoted PTC death. In vitro data verified the targeting mechanism of GO and ¹³¹I for PTC cell line is based on the relevant advantages of binding cell, followed by iRGD-endowed cell surface transport. The tailored design of GO-iRGDs validates a promising paradigm for radioisotope (131-iodine) delivery to combat PTC resistance and metastasis resulting from poor target access for effective combination therapy.