Mercaptoacetic acid functionalized-graphene quantum dots loaded with curcumin against triple-negative breast cancer and Molecular Docking analyses with VEGFA and Bcl-2
Journal of Molecular Structure, vol.1378, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 1378
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2026.147252
- Journal Name: Journal of Molecular Structure
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
- Keywords: Breast cancer, Curcumin, Graphene quantum dot, MDA-MB-231, Triple breast cancer
- Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Nanomedicines have emerged as promising platforms for cancer therapy, with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) offering efficient drug delivery properties. In this study, mercaptoacetic acid-functionalized GQDs were synthesized and loaded with curcumin through π-π stacking interactions. Successful conjugation was confirmed by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. The anticancer activity of curcumin-loaded GQDs (Cur-GQDs) was evaluated against triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells using XTT cytotoxicity and migration assays. Cur-GQDs exhibited an IC₅₀ value of 66 µg/mL and significantly inhibited cell migration. Molecular docking further demonstrated strong binding affinities of Cur-GQDs toward VEGFA and BCL2 proteins, suggesting potential antiangiogenic and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. These findings indicate that Cur-GQDs represent a promising nanocarrier system for curcumin delivery in triple-negative breast cancer.