Graphene–polydopamine–C60 nanohybrid: an efficient protective agent for NO-induced cytotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma cells

Abstract

Here we have designed and developed a facile and mild synthetic approach to prepare a graphene–polydopamine–C₆₀ nanohybrid for biological applications. Graphene oxide (GO) is surface modified and reduced via polydopamine (PDA) chemistry. Using nucleophilic addition, the rGO–PDA–C₆₀ nanohybrid is then prepared. Benefiting from the unique nanostructure, the versatile hybrid of rGO–PDA–C₆₀ limits the aggregation of C₆₀ and enhances the cell uptake, which displays synergistic protective effects on the NO-induced cytotoxicity. Investigation of the possible NO-scavenging activities of rGO–PDA–C₆₀ demonstrates that it expresses direct scavenging activity toward NO both under cell and cell free conditions. As expected, rGO–PDA–C₆₀ prevents NO-induced cytotoxicity and blocks the following apoptosis events, such as lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial depolarization, and caspase-3 activation. The study presents the potential of nanocarbons for preventing the NO-mediated cell injury.