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Hamidu A, Pitt WG, Husseini GA. Recent Breakthroughs in Using Quantum Dots for Cancer Imaging and Drug Delivery Purposes. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2566. [PMID: 37764594 PMCID: PMC10535728 DOI: 10.3390/nano13182566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Because each person's cancer may be unique, diagnosing and treating cancer is challenging. Advances in nanomedicine have made it possible to detect tumors and quickly investigate tumor cells at a cellular level in contrast to prior diagnostic techniques. Quantum dots (QDs) are functional nanoparticles reported to be useful for diagnosis. QDs are semiconducting tiny nanocrystals, 2-10 nm in diameter, with exceptional and useful optoelectronic properties that can be tailored to sensitively report on their environment. This review highlights these exceptional semiconducting QDs and their properties and synthesis methods when used in cancer diagnostics. The conjugation of reporting or binding molecules to the QD surface is discussed. This review summarizes the most recent advances in using QDs for in vitro imaging, in vivo imaging, and targeted drug delivery platforms in cancer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Hamidu
- Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - William G. Pitt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Ghaleb A. Husseini
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates
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2
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Jeon H, Zhu R, Kim G, Wang Y. Chirality-enhanced transport and drug delivery of graphene nanocarriers to tumor-like cellular spheroid. Front Chem 2023; 11:1207579. [PMID: 37601907 PMCID: PMC10433752 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1207579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chirality, defined as "a mirror image," is a universal geometry of biological and nonbiological forms of matter. This geometry of molecules determines how they interact during their assembly and transport. With the development of nanotechnology, many nanoparticles with chiral geometry or chiroptical activity have emerged for biomedical research. The mechanisms by which chirality originates and the corresponding synthesis methods have been discussed and developed in the past decade. Inspired by the chiral selectivity in life, a comprehensive and in-depth study of interactions between chiral nanomaterials and biological systems has far-reaching significance in biomedicine. Here, we investigated the effect of the chirality of nanoscale drug carriers, graphene quantum dots (GQDs), on their transport in tumor-like cellular spheroids. Chirality of GQDs (L/D-GQDs) was achieved by the surface modification of GQDs with L/D-cysteines. As an in-vitro tissue model for drug testing, cellular spheroids were derived from a human hepatoma cell line (i.e., HepG2 cells) using the Hanging-drop method. Our results reveal that the L-GQDs had a 1.7-fold higher apparent diffusion coefficient than the D-GQDs, indicating that the L-GQDs can enhance their transport into tumor-like cellular spheroids. Moreover, when loaded with a common chemotherapy drug, Doxorubicin (DOX), via π-π stacking, L-GQDs are more effective as nanocarriers for drug delivery into solid tumor-like tissue, resulting in 25% higher efficacy for cancerous cellular spheroids than free DOX. Overall, our studies indicated that the chirality of nanocarriers is essential for the design of drug delivery vehicles to enhance the transport of drugs in a cancerous tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yichun Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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3
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Mocci F, de Villiers Engelbrecht L, Olla C, Cappai A, Casula MF, Melis C, Stagi L, Laaksonen A, Carbonaro CM. Carbon Nanodots from an In Silico Perspective. Chem Rev 2022; 122:13709-13799. [PMID: 35948072 PMCID: PMC9413235 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are the latest and most shining rising stars among photoluminescent (PL) nanomaterials. These carbon-based surface-passivated nanostructures compete with other related PL materials, including traditional semiconductor quantum dots and organic dyes, with a long list of benefits and emerging applications. Advantages of CNDs include tunable inherent optical properties and high photostability, rich possibilities for surface functionalization and doping, dispersibility, low toxicity, and viable synthesis (top-down and bottom-up) from organic materials. CNDs can be applied to biomedicine including imaging and sensing, drug-delivery, photodynamic therapy, photocatalysis but also to energy harvesting in solar cells and as LEDs. More applications are reported continuously, making this already a research field of its own. Understanding of the properties of CNDs requires one to go to the levels of electrons, atoms, molecules, and nanostructures at different scales using modern molecular modeling and to correlate it tightly with experiments. This review highlights different in silico techniques and studies, from quantum chemistry to the mesoscale, with particular reference to carbon nanodots, carbonaceous nanoparticles whose structural and photophysical properties are not fully elucidated. The role of experimental investigation is also presented. Hereby, we hope to encourage the reader to investigate CNDs and to apply virtual chemistry to obtain further insights needed to customize these amazing systems for novel prospective applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mocci
- Department
of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University
of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy,
| | | | - Chiara Olla
- Department
of Physics, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Antonio Cappai
- Department
of Physics, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Casula
- Department
of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, IT 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudio Melis
- Department
of Physics, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Luigi Stagi
- Department
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Aatto Laaksonen
- Department
of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University
of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy,Department
of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden,State Key
Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China,Centre
of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, PetruPoni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Grigore Ghica-Voda 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania,Division
of Energy Science, Energy Engineering, Luleå
University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden,
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4
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Kansara V, Tiwari S, Patel M. Graphene quantum dots: A review on the effect of synthesis parameters and theranostic applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 217:112605. [PMID: 35688109 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The rising demand for early-stage diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative can be met with the development of materials offering high sensitivity and specificity. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been investigated extensively for theranostic applications owing to their superior photostability and high aqueous dispersibility. These are attractive for a range of biomedical applications as their physicochemical and optoelectronic properties can be tuned precisely. However, many aspects of these properties remain to be explored. In the present review, we have discussed the effect of synthetic parameters upon their physicochemical characteristics relevant to bioimaging. We have highlighted the effect of particle properties upon sensing of biological molecules through 'turn-on' and 'turn-off' fluorescence and generation of electrochemical signals. After describing the effect of surface chemistry and solution pH on optical properties, an inclusive view on application of GQDs in drug delivery and radiation therapy has been given. Finally, a brief overview on their application in gene therapy has also been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vrushti Kansara
- Maliba Pharmacy College, Uka Tarsadia University, Gujarat, India
| | - Sanjay Tiwari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mitali Patel
- Maliba Pharmacy College, Uka Tarsadia University, Gujarat, India.
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5
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Liu H, Guo J, Aryee AA, Hua L, Sun Y, Li Z, Liu J, Tang W. Lighting up Individual Organelles With Fluorescent Carbon Dots. Front Chem 2021; 9:784851. [PMID: 34900943 PMCID: PMC8660688 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.784851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell organelles play crucial roles in the normal functioning of an organism, therefore the disruption of their operation is associated with diseases and in some cases death. Thus, the detection and monitoring of the activities within these organelles are of great importance. Several probes based on graphene oxide, small molecules, and other nanomaterials have been developed for targeting specific organelles. Among these materials, organelle-targeted fluorescent probes based on carbon dots have attracted substantial attention in recent years owing to their superior characteristics, which include facile synthesis, good photostability, low cytotoxicity, and high selectivity. The ability of these probes to target specific organelles enables researchers to obtain valuable information for understanding the processes involved in their functions and/or malfunctions and may also aid in effective targeted drug delivery. This review highlights recently reported organelle-specific fluorescent probes based on carbon dots. The precursors of these carbon dots are also discussed because studies have shown that many of the intrinsic properties of these probes originate from the precursor used. An overview of the functions of the discussed organelles, the types of probes used, and their advantages and limitations are also provided. Organelles such as the mitochondria, nucleus, lysosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum have been the central focus of research to date, whereas the Golgi body, centrosome, vesicles, and others have received comparatively little attention. It is therefore the hope of the authors that further studies will be conducted in an effort to design probes with the ability to localize within these less studied organelles so as to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifang Liu
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiancheng Guo
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Linlin Hua
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanqiang Sun
- College of Chemistry of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaohui Li
- College of Chemistry of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenxue Tang
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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6
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Shah P, Shende P. Biomacromolecule-Functionalized Nanoparticle-Based Conjugates for Potentiation of Anticancer Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 22:31-48. [PMID: 34872476 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666211206102942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a rapidly growing life-threatening disease that affected 18.1 million people worldwide in 2018. Various conventional techniques like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are considered as a mainstream treatment for patients but show some limitations like cytotoxicity due to off-targeted action, poor intra-tumor localization, development of multi-drug resistance by tumor cells, physical and psychological stresses, etc. Such limitations have motivated the scientists to work towards more patient-centric and precision therapy using advanced drug delivery systems like liposomes, nanoparticles, nanoconjugates, etc. However, these carriers also face limitations like poor biocompatibility, lesser payload capacity, leakage of encapsulated drug, and short-term stability. So, this review article explores the profound insights for the development of biomacromolecule-functionalized nanoconjugates to potentiate the anticancer activity of therapeutic agents for various cancers like lung, colorectal, ovarian, breast and liver cancer. Researchers have shown interest in biofunctionalized nanoconjugates because of advantages like biocompatibility, site-specificity with better localization, higher entrapment with long-term stability and lesser off-target toxicity. The progressive trend of biomacromolecule nanoconjugates will encourage further research for the development of effective transport of drugs, nutraceuticals and phytoconstituents for on-site effect at cancer microenvironment and tumor cells with higher safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyank Shah
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai. India
| | - Pravin Shende
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai. India
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7
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Zhang J, Li C, Xue Q, Yin X, Li Y, He W, Chen X, Zhang J, Reis RL, Wang Y. An Efficient Carbon-Based Drug Delivery System for Cancer Therapy through the Nucleus Targeting and Mitochondria Mediated Apoptotic Pathway. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2100539. [PMID: 34928029 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202100539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of nanocarriers solves the problems of antitumor drugs such as non-targeting, huge side effects, etc., and has been widely used in tumor therapy. Some kinds of antitumor drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) mainly act on the nucleic acid causing DNA damage, interfering with transcription, and thereby disrupting or blocking the process of cancer cell replication. Herein, a new nanodrug delivery system, the carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs)-Pluronic F127-DOX (CPD), is designed by using CBNs as a nanocarrier for DOX. As a result, the tumor growth inhibition rate of CPD group is as high as 79.42 ± 2.83%, and greatly reduces the side effects. The targeting rate of the CPD group of DOX in the tumor nucleus is 36.78%, and the %ID/g in tumor tissue is 30.09%. The CPD regulates the expression levels of Caspase-3, p53, and Bcl-2 genes by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, which indicates that mitochondrial-mediated pathways are involved in apoptosis. The CPD nanodrug delivery system increases the effective accumulation of DOX in tumor cell nuclei and tumor tissues, and generates massive ROS, thereby inhibiting tumor growth in vivo, representing a promising agent for anticancer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhang
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center & Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Chenchen Li
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center & Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Qianghua Xue
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center & Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xuelian Yin
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center & Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yajie Li
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center & Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wen He
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center & Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xuerui Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Universal Medical Imaging Diagnostic Research Center, Shanghai, 200233, P. R. China
| | - Rui L Reis
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center & Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 4805-017, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Yanli Wang
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center & Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
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8
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Reagen S, Wu Y, Liu X, Shahni R, Bogenschuetz J, Wu X, Chu QR, Oncel N, Zhang J, Hou X, Combs C, Vasquez A, Zhao JX. Synthesis of Highly Near-Infrared Fluorescent Graphene Quantum Dots Using Biomass-Derived Materials for In Vitro Cell Imaging and Metal Ion Detection. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:43952-43962. [PMID: 34495635 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c10533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a subset of fluorescent nanomaterials that have gained recent interest due to their photoluminescence properties and low toxicity and biocompatibility features for bioanalysis and bioimaging. However, it is still a challenge to prepare highly near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent GQDs using a facile pathway. In this study, NIR GQDs were synthesized from the biomass-derived organic molecule cis-cyclobutane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid via one-step pyrolysis. The resulting GQDs were then characterized by various analytical methods such as UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Moreover, the photostability and stability over a wide pH range were also investigated, which indicated the excellent stability of the prepared GQDs. Most importantly, two peaks were found in the fluorescence emission spectra of the GQDs, one of which was located in the NIR region of about 860 nm. Finally, the GQDs were applied for cell imaging with human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, and cytotoxicity analysis with mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 246.7. The results showed that the GQDs entered the cells through endocytosis on the fluorescence images and were not toxic to the cells up to a concentration of 200 μg/mL. Thus, the developed GQDs could be a potential effective fluorescent bioimaging agent. Finally, the GQDs depicted fluorescence quenching when treated with mercury metal ions, indicating that the GQDs could be used for mercury detection in biological samples as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Reagen
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Yingfen Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Rahul Shahni
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Jacob Bogenschuetz
- Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Xu Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Qianli R Chu
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Nuri Oncel
- Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute for Energy Studies, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Xiaodong Hou
- Institute for Energy Studies, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Colin Combs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Antonio Vasquez
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
| | - Julia Xiaojun Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202, United States
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9
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Shu Y, Gao J, Chen J, Yan J, Sun J, Jin D, Xu Q, Hu X. A near-infrared fluorescent sensor based on the architecture of low-toxic Ag 2S quantum dot and MnO 2 nanosheet for sensing glutathione in human serum sample. Talanta 2021; 221:121475. [PMID: 33076088 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Near-infrared (NIR) emitting Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) are excellent fluorescent nanoprobes for bioassays with low toxicity. A novel fluorescent sensing platform which employing NIR fluorescent Ag2S QDs and MnO2 2D nanosheets as NIR emitters and quenchers is designed for rapid and selective determination of glutathione (GSH). A facile and efficient approach was demonstrated for the synthesis of NIR fluorescent Ag2S QDs with the emission of 845 nm. Then the NIR fluorescent nanoprobe of Ag2S QDs-MnO2 nanosheets is obtained by adsorbing Ag2S QDs onto the surface of MnO2 nanosheets which have atomically thick two-dimensional structure and high specific surface area. And the NIR fluorescence of Ag2S QDs is quenched by the MnO2 nanosheets. The presence of GSH could reduce MnO2 to Mn2+ that results in the restoration of NIR fluorescence for Ag2S QDs. The NIR fluorescent nanoprobe could be used for highly selective detection of GSH. Also a low detection limit of 60 μmol/L was obtained. Because NIR fluorescence of the Ag2S QDs can efficiently reduce the interferences from background scattering and autofluorescence. The NIR fluorescent nanoprobe was directly applied to monitor the GSH level in human serum sample with high accuracy and precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Shu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Jinlong Gao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Jingyuan Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Jing Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Jiawei Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Dangqin Jin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute, Yangzhou, 225127, China
| | - Qin Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China.
| | - Xiaoya Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China.
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10
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Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is increasing as a significant cause of mortality among women. In this context, early diagnosis and treatment strategies for BC are being developed by researchers at the cellular level using advanced nanomaterials. However, immaculate etiquette is the prerequisite for their implementation in clinical practice. Considering the stolid nature of cancer, combining diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) using graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is a prime focus and challenge for researchers. In a nutshell, GQDs is a new shining star among various fluorescent materials, which has acclaimed fame in a short duration in materials science and the biomedical field as well. From this perspective, we review various strategies in BC treatment using GQDs alone or in combination. In addition, the photophysical properties of GQDs explored in photothermal therapy, hyperthermia therapy, and photodynamic therapy are also discussed. Moreover, we also focus on the strategic use of GQDs both as drug carriers and as combinatorial-guided drug delivery motifs. This Review provides an update for the scientific community to plan and expand advanced theranostic horizons in BC using GQDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul S Tade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H. R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur-425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pravin O Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H. R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur-425405, Maharashtra, India
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11
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Kargozar S, Hoseini SJ, Milan PB, Hooshmand S, Kim H, Mozafari M. Quantum Dots: A Review from Concept to Clinic. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e2000117. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Kargozar
- Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Seyed Javad Hoseini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, School of Medicine Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Peiman Brouki Milan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Institutes of Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Sara Hooshmand
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Hae‐Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN) Dankook University Cheonan Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine Dankook University Cheonan Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science, School of Dentistry Dankook University Cheonan Republic of Korea
| | - Masoud Mozafari
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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12
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Gao W, Zhang J, Xue Q, Yin X, Yin X, Li C, Wang Y. Acute and Subacute Toxicity Study of Graphene-Based Tumor Cell Nucleus-Targeting Fluorescent Nanoprobes. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:2682-2690. [PMID: 32478520 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Graphene-based tumor cell nuclear targeting fluorescent nanoprobes (GTTNs) were synthesized in our laboratory as a kind of nanomaterial and showed good performance for both in vivo and in vitro imaging. GTTNs directly cross the cell membrane and specifically target the tumor cell nucleus via a cell membrane permeability targeting (CMPT) mechanism, which takes advantage of the increased permeability of the tumor cell membranes. GTTNs with a CMPT mechanism achieve high targeting efficiency in tumor tissues. With the tumor cell nucleus-targeting characterization, the GTTN distinguishes tumor cells at the single-cell level and recognizes the tumor tissue interface in a very early stage and shows great potential in clinical applications. Toxicity studies are extremely critical for clinical applications. Therefore, we studied the acute and subacute toxicity of GTTNs using an in vivo method and examined the following experimental indicators: mouse body weight, organ coefficients, serum biochemical parameters, and histological changes. The results showed that there were no significant differences in any indicators between the experimental and control mice. We also used an in vitro method to study the cytotoxicity of GTTNs in GES-1 (gastric epithelial cell) cells. Surprisingly, the results demonstrated over 80% cell viability when the incubation time reached up to 72 h under a 200 mg/L concentration of GTTNs, which indicated that GTTNs had low cytotoxicity. GTTNs barely showed any acute or subacute toxicity or cytotoxicity in vivo and in vitro, respectively, which supports their use for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Gao
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.,Institution of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Qianghua Xue
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Yin
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xuelian Yin
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Chenchen Li
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Tumor Precision Targeting Research Center, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.,Institution of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Street, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
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13
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Perini G, Palmieri V, Ciasca G, De Spirito M, Papi M. Unravelling the Potential of Graphene Quantum Dots in Biomedicine and Neuroscience. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3712. [PMID: 32466154 PMCID: PMC7279214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconducting nanoparticles that have been gaining ground in various applications, including the biomedical field, thanks to their unique optical properties. Recently, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have earned attention in biomedicine and nanomedicine, thanks to their higher biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity compared to other QDs. GQDs share the optical properties of QD and have proven ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). For this reason, GQDs are now being employed to deepen our knowledge in neuroscience diagnostics and therapeutics. Their size and surface chemistry that ease the loading of chemotherapeutic drugs, makes them ideal drug delivery systems through the bloodstream, across the BBB, up to the brain. GQDs-based neuroimaging techniques and theranostic applications, such as photothermal and photodynamic therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy, have been designed. In this review, optical properties and biocompatibility of GQDs will be described. Then, the ability of GQDs to overtake the BBB and reach the brain will be discussed. At last, applications of GQDs in bioimaging, photophysical therapies and drug delivery to the central nervous system will be considered, unraveling their potential in the neuroscientific field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giordano Perini
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.C.); (M.D.S.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.C.); (M.D.S.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ciasca
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.C.); (M.D.S.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.C.); (M.D.S.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.C.); (M.D.S.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Roma, Italy
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14
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Xiaoli F, Qiyue C, Weihong G, Yaqing Z, Chen H, Junrong W, Longquan S. Toxicology data of graphene-family nanomaterials: an update. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1915-1939. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02717-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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15
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Gu Z, Zhu S, Yan L, Zhao F, Zhao Y. Graphene-Based Smart Platforms for Combined Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1800662. [PMID: 30039878 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201800662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The extensive research of graphene and its derivatives in biomedical applications during the past few years has witnessed its significance in the field of nanomedicine. Starting from simple drug delivery systems, the application of graphene and its derivatives has been extended to a versatile platform of multiple therapeutic modalities, including photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, magnetic hyperthermia therapy, and sonodynamic therapy. In addition to monotherapy, graphene-based materials are widely applied in combined therapies for enhanced anticancer activity and reduced side effects. In particular, graphene-based materials are often designed and fabricated as "smart" platforms for stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, whose therapeutic effects can be activated by the tumor microenvironment, such as acidic pH and elevated glutathione (termed as "endogenous stimuli"), or light, magnetic, or ultrasonic stimuli (termed as "exogenous stimuli"). Herein, the recent advances of smart graphene platforms for combined therapy applications are presented, starting with the principle for the design of graphene-based smart platforms in combined therapy applications. Next, recent advances of combined therapies contributed by graphene-based materials, including chemotherapy-based, photothermal-therapy-based, and ultrasound-therapy-based synergistic therapy, are outlined. In addition, current challenges and future prospects regarding this promising field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanjun Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuang Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liang Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
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16
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Lei Z, Ding L, Yao C, Mo F, Li C, Huang Y, Yin X, Li M, Liu J, Zhang Y, Ling C, Wang Y. A Highly Efficient Tumor-Targeting Nanoprobe with a Novel Cell Membrane Permeability Mechanism. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1807456. [PMID: 30680812 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201807456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Efficient tumor targeting has been a great challenge in the clinic for a very long time. The traditional targeting methods based on enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects show only an ≈5% targeting rate. To solve this problem, a new graphene-based tumor cell nuclear targeting fluorescent nanoprobe (GTTN), with a new tumor-targeting mechanism, is developed. GTTN is a graphene-like single-crystalline structure amphiphilic fluorescent probe with a periphery that is functionalized by sulfonic and hydroxyl groups. This probe has the characteristic of specific tumor cell targeting, as it can directly cross the cell membrane and specifically target to the tumor cell nucleus by the changed permeability of the tumor cell membranes in the tumor tissue. This new targeting mechanism is named the cell membrane permeability targeting (CMPT) mechanism, which is very different from the EPR effect. These probes can recognize tumor tissue at a very early stage and track the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells at the single cell level. The tumor-targeting rate is improved from less than 5% to more than 50%. This achievement in efficient and accurate tumor cell targeting will speed up the arrival of a new era of tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Lei
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Lin Ding
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Chenjie Yao
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Program in Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fengfeng Mo
- Ship Hygiene Department, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Chenchen Li
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yanan Huang
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xuelian Yin
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Min Li
- Ship Hygiene Department, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Jinliang Liu
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Changquan Ling
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Program in Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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17
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Joshi K, Mazumder B, Chattopadhyay P, Bora NS, Goyary D, Karmakar S. Graphene Family of Nanomaterials: Reviewing Advanced Applications in Drug delivery and Medicine. Curr Drug Deliv 2019; 16:195-214. [DOI: 10.2174/1567201815666181031162208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Graphene in nano form has proven to be one of the most remarkable materials. It has a single
atom thick molecular structure and it possesses exceptional physical strength, electrical and electronic
properties. Applications of the Graphene Family of Nanomaterials (GFNs) in different fields of therapy
have emerged, including for targeted drug delivery in cancer, gene delivery, antimicrobial therapy, tissue
engineering and more recently in more diseases including HIV. This review seeks to analyze current
advances of potential applications of graphene and its family of nano-materials for drug delivery and
other major biomedical purposes. Moreover, safety and toxicity are the major roadblocks preventing the
use of GFNs in therapeutics. This review intends to analyze the safety and biocompatibility of GFNs
along with the discussion on the latest techniques developed for toxicity reduction and biocompatibility
enhancement of GFNs. This review seeks to evaluate how GFNs in future will serve as biocompatible
and useful biomaterials in therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bhaskar Mazumder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
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