| abstract |
A nanomaterial for use in the treatment, prophylaxis, or prevention of cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer stem cells, where the nanomaterial is functionalised by at least one functional group comprising a heteroatom selected from O, S, and N. Preferably the functional group is selected from one or more of: carbonyl, carboxyl, expoxide, hydroxyl, amino, amido, imino, oximo, ether, ester, guanidine, and hydroxylamine. Preferably the nanomaterial is a carbon nanomaterial, especially one based on mono-layer graphene, few-layer graphene, nano-graphite, single-wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, carbon nano-horns, carbon nano-fibres, or amorphous or partially amorphised nano-carbons or mixtures thereof Preferably, the nanomaterial is graphene oxide. The graphene oxide may be produced by a modified Hummers method. Preferably the use of the nanomaterial is in combination with another form of cancer treatment selected from one or more of: administration of one or more chemotherapeutic agents, radiotherapy, or surgery. |