In recent years, the development of targeted drug delivery systems has gained significant attention due to their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a novel modulated nanoconjugate of umbelliferone cobalt oxide loaded onto graphene oxide (GO), designed as a promising drug carrier for cancer therapy. The nanoconjugate was prepared through a one-pot reaction involving umbelliferone, cobalt(II) nitrate, and tannic acid, followed by loading onto GO via ultrasonication. Comprehensive characterization using FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XRD, EPR, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed successful formation and loading of the nanoconjugate. FT-IR spectra revealed shifts in key functional groups, indicating strong interactions between the conjugate and GO. XRD patterns demonstrated crystalline phases corresponding to (001), (111), (220), (311), and (400) planes, confirming the structural integrity of the cobalt oxide component.1350514-68-9 Formula SEM and TEM images displayed sheet-like morphology of GO with uniformly distributed rectangular/cubic nanoparticles, suggesting effective immobilization of the nanoconjugate.
The interaction between the nanoconjugate and GO was further investigated through UV-visible, fluorescence, and electrochemical studies, which collectively indicated dominant π–π stacking and hydrophobic interactions.NFKB1 Antibody Biological Activity Upon addition of ct-DNA, a hyperchromic shift in absorption and quenching of fluorescence were observed, consistent with intercalative binding.PMID:34826026 Circular dichroism (CD) analysis revealed increased intensity of both positive (270 nm) and negative (245 nm) bands without spectral shifts, suggesting conformational changes in DNA structure due to unwinding induced by the nanoconjugate. Cyclic voltammetry showed a reversible Co(II)/Co(III) redox couple with a formal potential at −0.82 V in the absence of DNA, shifting to −0.85 V upon DNA binding—indicating an electrostatic mode of interaction. EPR spectroscopy also exhibited signal weakening and slight shifts upon incubation with ct-DNA, reinforcing the occurrence of molecular interaction.
DNA cleavage assays performed using agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the nanoconjugate effectively converted supercoiled plasmid pBR322 into nicked and linear forms, confirming double-stranded DNA cleavage. Inhibition studies with scavengers such as DMSO and ethanol supported the involvement of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), suggesting a hydrolytic pathway. Further mechanistic insights from molecular docking simulations revealed preferential binding within the A-T-rich region of the major groove, with favorable binding energy (−462 kJ/mol). The compound exhibited selective cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cells (Du-145) with minimal toxicity toward normal PNT 2 cells, as confirmed by MTT assay. Confocal microscopy visualized efficient internalization of the nanoconjugate into both cytoplasm and nucleus of Du-145 cells, highlighting its cellular uptake capability.
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations validated the stability of the system, showing a negative HOMO-LUMO gap (−2.269 eV), indicating energetic stability. Drug loading efficiency reached up to 70%, with sustained release over 144 hours at pH 7.4, demonstrating controlled delivery potential. Collectively, these findings underscore the promise of this GO-based nanoconjugate as a multifunctional platform for targeted anticancer therapy, combining high DNA affinity, efficient intracellular delivery, and selective cytotoxicity.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
