Jéssica Ingrid Faria De Souza
1 
, Natália Cristina Gomes-da-Silva
1, Filipe Ferreira Ascenção
1, Beatriz Da Silva Batista
2, Luciana Magalhães Rebelo Alencar
2, Pierre Basílio Almeida Fechine
3, Eduardo Ricci-Junior
4, Ralph Santos-Oliveira
1,5* 1 Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy and Synthesis of New Radiopharmaceuticals, Rio De Janeiro, 21941906, RJ, Brazil
2 Department of Physics, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, 65065690, MA, Brazil
3 Grupo De Química De Materiais Avançados (GQMat), Departamento De Química Analítica e Físico-Química, Universidade Federal Do Ceará–UFC, Campus Do Pici, CP 12100, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60451-970, Brazil
4 School of Pharmacy (Faculty), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
5 Rio De Janeiro State University, Laboratory of Radiopharmacy and Nanoradiopharmaceuticals, Rio De Janeiro, 23070200, RJ, Brazil
Abstract
Purpose: This study explores the use of glass microspheres doped with rare earth elements, specifically samarium (Sm) and neodymium (Nd), and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in biological applications, particularly cancer therapy.
Methods: Glass microspheres were synthesized using an eco-friendly approach with recycled glass and subsequently doped with Sm, Nd, or GQDs. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed in MCF-7 (breast cancer) and DU-145 (prostate cancer) cell lines.
Results: In vitro assays demonstrated that these doped microspheres significantly reduced cell viability in breast (MCF-7) and prostate (DU-145) cancer cell lines. The GQD microspheres showed a marked reduction in cell proliferation, attributed to mechanisms involving apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Sm and Nd microspheres also decreased cell survival, with Nd microspheres showing the highest efficacy.
Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of rare earth elements and GQDs in developing advanced nanotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment, emphasizing their role in disrupting cellular functions and promoting cytotoxic effects in tumor cells.