A novel non-invasive strategy for low-level laser-induced cancer therapy by using new Ag/ZnO and Nd/ZnO functionalized reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites

In the present research, an effective drug-free approach was developed to kill MCF7 breast cancer cells using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based hybrid nanocomposites (NCs). Here, fruit extract of Rosa canina was used for the first time to obtain the rGO/ZnO, Ag-ZnO/rGO and Nd-ZnO/rGO NCs by green synthesis. Physico/photochemical properties of these NCs were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, Raman, XPS, SEM/EDX, UV-Vis, DLS and AFM. The potential of the as-synthesized NCs on ROS generating and antioxidant activity were assessed by DPPH. After optimizing the proper concentration of the NCs their anti-tumoral efficacy were evaluated by DAPI staining and MTT assay tests for laser therapy on MCF7 breast cancer cells. Interestingly, cell death was increased dramatically by increasing irradiation dose from 8-32 J/cm2 and then decreased by enhancing laser dose. The maximum amount of cell death is 50% which was observed in the presence of ZnO/rGO 20% by irradiation dose of 32 J/cm2. Furthermore, in comparison with 810 nm, 630 nm lasers were more effective in LLLT of MCF7 cells. The results show the potential of using rGO-based NCs in LLLT, which may be combined with other therapeutic approaches to assist our fight against cancer.