A theoretical survey of the ability of nanocarbon layers to deliver anti-cancer drug temozolomide to the target cancer cells

Abstract

Density functional theory with the basis set of 6-31+G(d) was used to investigate on the carbon nano layers, C(sp2), potential as a drug delivery system for transferring of anti-cancer drug temozolomide to the target tissue. In order to elucidate the possibility of drug transmission by utilizing a carrier, the mechanisms of direct drug degradation, and loaded drug on the carrier are analyzed and examined completely. Two possible and different pathways for direct drug hydrolysis have been considered. According to obtained results activation barriers of these two pathways are 62.17 and 72.10 kcal mol-1, and 64.30 and 70.10 kcal mol-1 for two gas mode and also two aqueous solvent conditions respectively. By comparison of outcomes, it can be found out that these activation barriers for both degradation pathways are significantly greater than the activation barriers for drug separation from the surface of carbon carrier (18.59 and 51.92 kcal mol-1 for gas mode and 11.79 and 44.67 kcal mol-1 for aqueous solvent). Therefore, by studying the achieved outcomes, it can be deduced that separation and releasing of the drug from the carrier occurs faster kinetically than direct degradation of temozolomide, so the drug can reach to the target before direct decomposition.