From Sustainable Nanotechnology to Ovarian Cancer Theranostics: A Co-Creation Approach 

Ovarian cancer remains among the deadliest gynecological diseases, highlighting the need
for innovative therapeutic strategies that combine enhanced treatment efficacy with
sustainable and socially inclusive approaches. This preliminary study investigated
doxorubicin association with graphene oxide quantum dots and its release under different
pH conditions.

As a preliminary step, graphene oxide quantum dots were synthesized through a
conventional chemical route and evaluated as nanocarriers for the anticancer drug
doxorubicin. The nanoplatform was characterized by scanning electron microscopy,
dynamic light scattering, UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, and ATR-FTIR, providing
insights into its morphological, physicochemical, surface, and optical properties. The
resulting nanoconjugates exhibited a hydrodynamic size of 108 ± 49 nm and green
fluorescence, with a quantum yield of 19.69%. Drug release kinetics were evaluated by
dialysis at pH 5.5 and 7.4, at 37 ± 1 °C, over 24 h. The nanoconjugates reached 63.2% of the
maximum drug release after 3.36 h at pH 5.5, compared with 5.52 h at pH 7.4,
demonstrating pH-dependent drug release. These findings support the potential of the
nanoconjugates for tumor microenvironment-responsive drug delivery, while their intrinsic
fluorescence further supports their potential for bioimaging and theranostic applications.

Building on these preliminary findings, future work will investigate agricultural residues as
alternative carbon precursors and develop a framework for community participation and
co-creation.

Overall, this study supports the potential of these nanoconjugates as a pH-responsive
nanotheranostic platform combining drug delivery and intrinsic fluorescence for potential
cancer applications, while providing a basis for future integration of sustainable
nanomaterial production and community co-creation.