Graphene‑based nanomaterials for drug delivery: Design strategies, mechanisms and clinical perspectives (Review)

Graphene-based nanomaterials have emerged as a versatile platform for tumour-targeted drug delivery owing to their unique physicochemical properties, including large specific surface area, structural flexibility and tuneable surface chemistry.Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO have been extensively investigated as drug carriers owing to their high loading capacity and multifunctionality.Recent advances in nanoscale engineering and surface functionalisation have enabled precise control over drug loading, targeting and release behaviour, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy while minimising systemic toxicity.The present review provides a comprehensive and mechanism-oriented overview of graphene-based nanocarriers, focusing on their structural features, synthesis methods, functionalisation strategies, drug loading and tumour-targeting approaches, and stimuli-responsive release behaviours.Compared with conventional descriptions of graphene-based carriers, the present review highlights the emerging transition from passive delivery systems towards rationally engineered and stimuli-programmed nanomedicine platforms.Furthermore, key challenges related to colloidal stability, toxicity, biodegradability, in vivo fate and clinical translation are critically discussed.By linking advanced design strategies with mechanistic understanding and translational insights, the present review aims to guide the development of safer, more reliable and clinically relevant graphene-based nanomedicines for precision cancer therapy.Contents 1. Introduction 2. Synthesis of graphene and its derivatives 3. Graphene and its derivatives in drug delivery 4. Conclusion and prospects