1
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Sajjadi S, Wu SJ, Rabbani Y, Zubkovs V, Ahmadzadeh H, K. Goharshadi E, Boghossian AA. Micropreparative Gel Electrophoresis for Purification of Nanoscale Bioconjugates. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:154-163. [PMID: 38320084 PMCID: PMC10885001 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Conventional techniques for purifying macromolecular conjugates often require complex and costly installments that are inaccessible to most laboratories. In this work, we develop a one-step micropreparative method based on a trilayered polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (MP-PAGE) setup to purify biological samples, synthetic nanoparticles, as well as biohybrid complexes. We apply this method to recover DNA from a ladder mixture with yields of up to 90%, compared to the 58% yield obtained using the conventional crush-and-soak method. MP-PAGE was also able to isolate enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (EYFP) from crude cell extract with 90% purity, which is comparable to purities achieved through a more complex two-step purification procedure involving size exclusion and immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography. This technique was further extended to demonstrate size-dependent separation of a commercial mixture of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) into three different fractions with distinct optical properties. Finally, MP-PAGE was used to isolate DNA-EYFP and DNA-GQD bioconjugates from their reaction mixture of DNA and EYFP and GQD precursors, samples that otherwise could not be effectively purified by conventional chromatography. MP-PAGE thus offers a rapid and versatile means of purifying biological and synthetic nanomaterials without the need for specialized equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayyed
Hashem Sajjadi
- Ecole
Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi
University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Shang-Jung Wu
- Ecole
Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Yahya Rabbani
- Ecole
Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Vitalijs Zubkovs
- Ecole
Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Hossein Ahmadzadeh
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi
University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Elaheh K. Goharshadi
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi
University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
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2
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Im MJ, Kim JI, Hyeong SK, Moon BJ, Bae S. From Pristine to Heteroatom-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots: An Essential Review and Prospects for Future Research. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2304497. [PMID: 37496316 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are carbon-based zero-dimensional materials that have received considerable scientific interest due to their exceptional optical, electrical, and optoelectrical properties. Their unique electronic band structures, influenced by quantum confinement and edge effects, differentiate the physical and optical characteristics of GQDs from other carbon nanostructures. Additionally, GQDs can be synthesized using various top-down and bottom-up approaches, distinguishing them from other carbon nanomaterials. This review discusses recent advancements in GQD research, focusing on their synthesis and functionalization for potential applications. Particularly, various methods for synthesizing functionalized GQDs using different doping routes are comprehensively reviewed. Based on previous reports, current challenges and future directions for GQDs research are discussed in detail herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Im
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 92 Chudong-ro, Bongdong-eup, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, 55324, Republic of Korea
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdan-gwagiro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Il Kim
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 92 Chudong-ro, Bongdong-eup, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, 55324, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ki Hyeong
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 92 Chudong-ro, Bongdong-eup, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, 55324, Republic of Korea
- Department of Energy Systems Research and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Joon Moon
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 92 Chudong-ro, Bongdong-eup, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, 55324, Republic of Korea
- Department of JBNU-KIST Industry-Academia Convergence Research, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic ofKorea
| | - Sukang Bae
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 92 Chudong-ro, Bongdong-eup, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, 55324, Republic of Korea
- Department of JBNU-KIST Industry-Academia Convergence Research, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic ofKorea
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3
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Bhaloo A, Nguyen S, Lee BH, Valimukhametova A, Gonzalez-Rodriguez R, Sottile O, Dorsky A, Naumov AV. Doped Graphene Quantum Dots as Biocompatible Radical Scavenging Agents. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1536. [PMID: 37627531 PMCID: PMC10451549 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is proven to be a leading factor in a multitude of adverse conditions, from Alzheimer's disease to cancer. Thus, developing effective radical scavenging agents to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) driving many oxidative processes has become critical. In addition to conventional antioxidants, nanoscale structures and metal-organic complexes have recently shown promising potential for radical scavenging. To design an optimal nanoscale ROS scavenging agent, we have synthesized ten types of biocompatible graphene quantum dots (GQDs) augmented with various metal dopants. The radical scavenging abilities of these novel metal-doped GQD structures were, for the first time, assessed via the DPPH, KMnO4, and RHB (Rhodamine B protectant) assays. While all metal-doped GQDs consistently demonstrate antioxidant properties higher than the undoped cores, aluminum-doped GQDs exhibit 60-95% radical scavenging ability of ascorbic acid positive control. Tm-doped GQDs match the radical scavenging properties of ascorbic acid in the KMnO4 assay. All doped GQD structures possess fluorescence imaging capabilities that enable their tracking in vitro, ensuring their successful cellular internalization. Given such multifunctionality, biocompatible doped GQD antioxidants can become prospective candidates for multimodal therapeutics, including the reduction of ROS with concomitant imaging and therapeutic delivery to cancer tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bhaloo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA; (A.B.); (S.N.); (B.H.L.); (A.V.); (O.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Steven Nguyen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA; (A.B.); (S.N.); (B.H.L.); (A.V.); (O.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Bong Han Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA; (A.B.); (S.N.); (B.H.L.); (A.V.); (O.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Alina Valimukhametova
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA; (A.B.); (S.N.); (B.H.L.); (A.V.); (O.S.); (A.D.)
| | | | - Olivia Sottile
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA; (A.B.); (S.N.); (B.H.L.); (A.V.); (O.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Abby Dorsky
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA; (A.B.); (S.N.); (B.H.L.); (A.V.); (O.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Anton V. Naumov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA; (A.B.); (S.N.); (B.H.L.); (A.V.); (O.S.); (A.D.)
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4
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Inbanathan FPN, Cimatu KLA, Ingram DC, Erasquin UJ, Dasari K, Sultan MS, Sajjad M, Makarov V, Weiner BR, Morell G, Sharifi Abdar P, Jadwisienczak WM. Paramagnetism in Microwave-Synthesized Metal-Free Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:ma16093410. [PMID: 37176291 PMCID: PMC10179833 DOI: 10.3390/ma16093410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) have gained significant attention due to their various physical and chemical properties; however, there is a gap in the study of NGQDs' magnetic properties. This work adds to the efforts of bridging the gap by demonstrating the room temperature paramagnetism in GQDs doped with Nitrogen up to 3.26 at.%. The focus of this experimental work was to confirm the paramagnetic behavior of metal free NGQDs resulting from the pyridinic N configuration in the GQDs host. Metal-free nitrogen-doped NGQDs were synthesized using glucose and liquid ammonia as precursors by microwave-assisted synthesis. This was followed by dialysis filtration. The morphology, optical, and magnetic properties of the synthesized NGQDs were characterized carefully through atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)), UV-VIS spectroscopy, fluorescence, X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The high-resolution TEM analysis of NGQDs showed that the NGQDs have a hexagonal crystalline structure with a lattice fringe of ~0.24 nm of (1120) graphene plane. The N1s peak using XPS was assigned to pyridinic, pyrrolic, graphitic, and oxygenated NGQDs. The magnetic study showed the room-temperature paramagnetic behavior of NGQDs with pyridinic N configuration, which was found to have a magnetization of 20.8 emu/g.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia P N Inbanathan
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | | | - David C Ingram
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | | | - Kiran Dasari
- Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
| | - Muhammad Shehzad Sultan
- Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00926-2614, USA
| | - Muhammad Sajjad
- Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00926-2614, USA
| | - Vladimir Makarov
- Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00926-2614, USA
| | - Brad R Weiner
- Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
| | - Gerardo Morell
- Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00926-2614, USA
| | - Payman Sharifi Abdar
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Corrosion and Multiphase Flow Technology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
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5
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Valimukhametova AR, Zub OS, Lee BH, Fannon O, Nguyen S, Gonzalez-Rodriguez R, Akkaraju GR, Naumov AV. Dual-Mode Fluorescence/Ultrasound Imaging with Biocompatible Metal-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4965-4975. [PMID: 36179254 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sonography offers many advantages over standard methods of diagnostic imaging due to its non-invasiveness, substantial tissue penetration depth, and low cost. The benefits of ultrasound imaging call for the development of ultrasound-trackable drug delivery vehicles that can address a variety of therapeutic targets. One disadvantage of the technique is the lack of high-precision imaging, which can be circumvented by complementing ultrasound contrast agents with visible and, especially, near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores. In this work, we, for the first time, develop a variety of lightly metal-doped (iron oxide, silver, thulium, neodymium, cerium oxide, cerium chloride, and molybdenum disulfide) nitrogen-containing graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) that demonstrate high-contrast properties in the ultrasound brightness mode and exhibit visible and/or near-infrared fluorescence imaging capabilities. NGQDs synthesized from glucosamine precursors with only a few percent metal doping do not introduce additional toxicity in vitro, yielding over 80% cell viability up to 2 mg/mL doses. Their small (<50 nm) sizes warrant effective cell internalization, while oxygen-containing surface functional groups decorating their surfaces render NGQDs water soluble and allow for the attachment of therapeutics and targeting agents. Utilizing visible and/or NIR fluorescence, we demonstrate that metal-doped NGQDs experience maximum accumulation within the HEK-293 cells 6-12 h after treatment. The successful 10-fold ultrasound signal enhancement is observed at 0.5-1.6 mg/mL for most metal-doped NGQDs in the vascular phantom, agarose gel, and animal tissue. A combination of non-invasive ultrasound imaging with capabilities of high-precision fluorescence tracking makes these metal-doped NGQDs a viable agent for a variety of theragnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina R Valimukhametova
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States
| | - Olga S Zub
- Alfa Radiology Management, Inc, Plano, Texas 75023, United States
| | - Bong Han Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States
| | - Olivia Fannon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States
| | - Steven Nguyen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States
| | - Roberto Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States
| | - Giridhar R Akkaraju
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States
| | - Anton V Naumov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States
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6
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Aghajamali M, Vieira MA, Firouzi-Haji R, Cui K, Cho JY, Bergren AJ, Hassanzadeh H, Meldrum A. Synthesis and properties of multi-functionalized graphene quantum dots with tunable photoluminescence and hydrophobicity from asphaltene and its oxidized and reduced derivatives. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2022; 4:4080-4093. [PMID: 36285213 PMCID: PMC9514569 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00445c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with tunable photoluminescence (PL) and hydrophobicity were synthesized from an abundant natural carbon source containing nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen heteroatoms. Asphaltene and its oxidized and reduced derivatives were used as precursors to produce GQDs in organic solvents (i.e., methanol, toluene, and chloroform) using a facile ultrasonication technique. Asphaltene surface chemistry was tuned by sequential oxidation and reduction to investigate the surface effects on GQD properties. Spectroscopic characterizations confirmed the presence of N, S, and O heteroatoms and different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. Microscopic characterizations revealed that these crystalline carbon nanomaterials have mono-layered or multi-layered structures with lateral sizes in the range of ∼5-15 nm. The asphaltene-derived GQDs exhibit tunable PL with emission colors ranging from blue to orange, depending on the carbon precursor and the organic solvent. Solvent exchange studies also revealed that asphaltene and its derivatives contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions, resulting in varied hydrophobicity of the synthesized GQDs. Adding to the appeal of the present work, PL quenching of GQD-silica hybrid materials upon exposure to nitro-aromatics confirms that these GQDs can be incorporated to different host materials for advanced sensing or optoelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Aghajamali
- Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Mariana Arpini Vieira
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2E1 Canada
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada Edmonton AB T6G 2M9 Canada
| | | | - Kai Cui
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada Edmonton AB T6G 2M9 Canada
| | - Jae-Young Cho
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada Edmonton AB T6G 2M9 Canada
| | - Adam Johan Bergren
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada Edmonton AB T6G 2M9 Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia Kelowna BC V1V 1V7 Canada
| | - Hassan Hassanzadeh
- Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
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7
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Kishida H, Mikkelsen MH. Ultrafast Lifetime and Bright Emission from Graphene Quantum Dots Using Plasmonic Nanogap Cavities. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:904-910. [PMID: 35044773 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are quasi-zero-dimensional, carbon-based luminescent nanomaterials that possess desirable physical properties, such as high photostability, low cytotoxicity, good biocompatibility, and excellent water solubility; however, their long radiative lifetimes significantly limit their use in, e.g., light emitting devices where a fast spontaneous emission rate is essential. Despite a few reports on GQD fluorescence enhancements using metal nanostructures, studies of enhanced spontaneous emission rate remain outstanding. Here, we report fast and bright luminescence by coupling gap plasmon modes to nanoparticle emitters. Through precise control over the nanoparticle's local density of states (LDOS), we achieved a 220-fold increase in the PL intensity. The shortest radiative lifetime obtained was below 8.0 ps and limited by the instrument response, which is over 288-fold shorter than the lifetime of uncoupled GQDs. These findings may benefit the future development of rapid displays and open the possibility of constructing high-frequency classical or quantum telecommunication systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kishida
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Maiken H Mikkelsen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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8
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Shen L, Zhou S, Huang F, Zhou H, Zhang H, Wang S, Zhou S. Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots synthesized by femtosecond laser ablation in liquid from laser induced graphene. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 33:115602. [PMID: 34874289 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac4069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this work, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized by femtosecond laser ablation in liquid using laser induced graphene as the carbon source. Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) were successfully synthesized by adding ammonia water to the graphene suspension. The GQDs/N-GQDs structure consist of a graphitic core with oxygen and nitrogen functionalities with particle size less than 10 nm, as demonstrated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier infrared spectrometer spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The absorption peak, PL spectrum, and quantum yield of the N-GQDs were significantly enhanced compared with the undoped GQDs. Further, the possible mechanism of synthesis GQDs was discussed. Furthermore, the N-GQDs were used as a fluorescent probe for detection of Fe3+ions. The N-GQDs may extend the application of graphene-based materials to bioimaging, sensor, and photoelectronic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shen
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Sikun Zhou
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Huang
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhou
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Shutong Wang
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Shouhuan Zhou
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
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9
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Lee BH, Hasan MT, Lichthardt D, Gonzalez-Rodriguez R, Naumov AV. Manganese-nitrogen and gadolinium-nitrogen Co-doped graphene quantum dots as bimodal magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging nanoprobes. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:095103. [PMID: 33126228 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/abc642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are unique derivatives of graphene that show promise in multiple biomedical applications as biosensors, bioimaging agents, and drug/gene delivery vehicles. Their ease in functionalization, biocompatibility, and intrinsic fluorescence enable those modalities. However, GQDs lack deep tissue magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities desirable for diagnostics. Considering that the drawbacks of MRI contrast agent toxicity are still poorly addressed, we develop novel Mn2+ or Gd3+ doped nitrogen-containing graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) to equip the GQDs with MRI capabilities and at the same time render contrast agents biocompatible. Water-soluble biocompatible Mn-NGQDs and Gd-NGQDs synthesized via single-step microwave-assisted scalable hydrothermal reaction enable dual MRI and fluorescence modalities. These quasi-spherical 3.9-6.6 nm average-sized structures possess highly crystalline graphitic lattice structure with 0.24 and 0.53 atomic % for Mn2+ and Gd3+ doping. This structure ensures high in vitro biocompatibility of up to 1.3 mg ml-1 and 1.5 mg ml-1 for Mn-NGQDs and Gd-NGQDs, respectively, and effective internalization in HEK-293 cells traced by intrinsic NGQD fluorescence. As MRI contrast agents with considerably low Gd and Mn content, Mn-NGQDs exhibit substantial transverse/longitudinal relaxivity (r 2/r 1) ratios of 11.190, showing potential as dual-mode longitudinal or transverse relaxation time (T 1 or T 2) contrast agents, while Gd-NGQDs possess r 2/r 1 of 1.148 with high r 1 of 9.546 mM-1 s-1 compared to commercial contrast agents, suggesting their potential as T1 contrast agents. Compared to other nanoplatforms, these novel Mn2+ and Gd3+ doped NGQDs not only provide scalable biocompatible alternatives as T1/T2 and T1 contrast agents but also enable in vitro intrinsic fluorescence imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong Han Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298840, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States of America
| | - Md Tanvir Hasan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298840, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States of America
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States of America
| | - Denise Lichthardt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298840, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States of America
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schlossplatz 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roberto Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298840, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of North Texas, 210 Avenue A, Denton, TX 76201, United States of America
| | - Anton V Naumov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298840, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States of America
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10
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Longo AV, Sciortino A, Cannas M, Messina F. UV photobleaching of carbon nanodots investigated by in situ optical methods. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:13398-13407. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp00952k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In situ optical analysis of photobleaching unveils the real nature and evolution of emitters in a carbon-dot system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. V. Longo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segré”
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Via Archirafi 36
- Palermo
- Italy
| | - A. Sciortino
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segré”
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Via Archirafi 36
- Palermo
- Italy
| | - M. Cannas
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segré”
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Via Archirafi 36
- Palermo
- Italy
| | - F. Messina
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segré”
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Via Archirafi 36
- Palermo
- Italy
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