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Bae G, Cho H, Hong BH. A review on synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:372001. [PMID: 38853586 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad55d0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
A new type of 0-dimensional carbon-based materials called graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is gaining significant attention as a non-toxic and eco-friendly nanomaterial. GQDs are nanomaterials composed of sp2hybridized carbon domains and functional groups, with their lateral size less than 10 nm. The unique and exceptional physical, chemical, and optical properties arising from the combination of graphene structure and quantum confinement effect due to their nano-size make GQDs more intriguing than other nanomaterials. Particularly, the low toxicity and high solubility derived from the carbon core and abundant edge functional groups offer significant advantages for the application of GQDs in the biomedical field. In this review, we summarize various synthetic methods for preparing GQDs and important factors influencing the physical, chemical, optical, and biological properties of GQDs. Furthermore, the recent application of GQDs in the biomedical field, including biosensor, bioimaging, drug delivery, and therapeutics are discussed. Through this, we provide a brief insight on the tremendous potential of GQDs in biomedical applications and the challenges that need to be overcome in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaeun Bae
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonwoo Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hee Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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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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Mudgal P, Pareek J, Paliwal S. Biodistribution of Intravenously Transplanted Mitochondria Conjugated with Graphene Quantum Dots in Diabetic Rats. J Fluoresc 2023:10.1007/s10895-023-03480-0. [PMID: 37897517 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03480-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria transplantation has emerged as a successful therapeutic modality to treat several degenerative diseases. However, the biodistribution of transplanted mitochondria has not been well studied. We investigated the ex-vivo systemic biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy of intravenously transplanted graphene quantum dots (GQDs) conjugated to isolated mitochondria (Mt-GQDs) in diabetic rat tissues. The results revealed that Mt-GQDs facilitate the tracking of transplanted mitochondria without affecting their therapeutic efficacy. It is compelling to note that Mt-GQDs and isolated mitochondria show comparable therapeutic efficacies in decreasing blood glucose levels, oxidative stress, inflammatory gene expressions, and restoration of different mitochondrial functions in pancreatic tissues of diabetic rats. In addition, histological section examination under a fluorescence microscope demonstrated the localization of Mt-GQDs in multiple tissues of diabetic rats. In conclusion, this study indicates that Mt-GQDs provide an effective mitochondrial transplantation tracking modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Mudgal
- Dept. of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jyotsna Pareek
- Dept. of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Swati Paliwal
- Dept. of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, 304022, Rajasthan, India.
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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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Valimukhametova AR, Lee BH, Topkiran UC, Gries K, Gonzalez-Rodriguez R, Coffer JL, Akkaraju G, Naumov A. Cancer Therapeutic siRNA Delivery and Imaging by Nitrogen- and Neodymium-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:3425-3434. [PMID: 37255435 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
While small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology has become a powerful tool that can enable cancer-specific gene therapy, its translation to the clinic is still hampered by the inability of the genes alone to cell transfection, poor siRNA stability in blood, and the lack of delivery tracking capabilities. Recently, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as a novel platform allowing targeted drug delivery and fluorescence image tracking in visible and near-infrared regions. These capabilities can aid in overcoming primary obstacles to siRNA therapeutics. Here, for the first time, we utilize biocompatible nitrogen- and neodymium-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs and Nd-NGQDs, respectively) for the delivery of Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) siRNA effective against a variety of cancer types. GQDs loaded with siRNA noncovalently facilitate successful siRNA transfection into HeLa cells, confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy at biocompatible GQD concentrations of 375 μg/mL. While the GQD platform provides visible fluorescence tracking, Nd doping enables deeper-tissue near-infrared fluorescence imaging suitable for both in vitro and in vivo applications. The therapeutic efficacy of the GQD/siRNA complex is verified by successful protein knockdown in HeLa cells at nanomolar siEGFR and siKRAS concentrations. A range of GQD/siRNA loading ratios and payloads are tested to ultimately provide substantial inhibition of protein expression down to 31-45%, comparable with conventional Lipofectamine-mediated delivery. This demonstrates the promising potential of GQDs for the nontoxic delivery of siRNA and genes in general, complemented by multiwavelength image tracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina R Valimukhametova
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth 76129, Texas, United States
| | - Bong Han Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth 76129, Texas, United States
| | - Ugur C Topkiran
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth 76129, Texas, United States
| | - Klara Gries
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | | | - Jeffery L Coffer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth 76129, Texas, United States
| | - Giridhar Akkaraju
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth 76129, Texas, United States
| | - Anton Naumov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth 76129, Texas, United States
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Lee B, Stokes GA, Valimukhametova A, Nguyen S, Gonzalez-Rodriguez R, Bhaloo A, Coffer J, Naumov AV. Automated Approach to In Vitro Image-Guided Photothermal Therapy with Top-Down and Bottom-Up-Synthesized Graphene Quantum Dots. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:805. [PMID: 36903683 PMCID: PMC10005083 DOI: 10.3390/nano13050805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Graphene-based materials have been the subject of interest for photothermal therapy due to their high light-to-heat conversion efficiency. Based on recent studies, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are expected to possess advantageous photothermal properties and facilitate fluorescence image-tracking in the visible and near-infrared (NIR), while surpassing other graphene-based materials in their biocompatibility. Several GQD structures including reduced graphene quantum dots (RGQDs) derived from reduced graphene oxide via top-down oxidation and hyaluronic acid graphene quantum dots (HGQDs) hydrothermally bottom-up synthesized from molecular hyaluronic acid were employed to test these capabilities in the present work. These GQDs possess substantial NIR absorption and fluorescence throughout the visible and NIR beneficial for in vivo imaging while being biocompatible at up to 1.7 mg/mL concentrations. In aqueous suspensions, RGQDs and HGQDs irradiated with a low power (0.9 W/cm2) 808 nm NIR laser facilitate a temperature increase up to 47.0 °C, which is sufficient for cancer tumor ablation. In vitro photothermal experiments sampling multiple conditions directly in the 96-well plate were performed using an automated simultaneous irradiation/measurement system developed on the basis of a 3D printer. In this study, HGQDs and RGQDs facilitated the heating of HeLa cancer cells up to 54.5 °C, leading to the drastic inhibition of cell viability from over 80% down to 22.9%. GQD's fluorescence in the visible and NIR traces their successful internalization into HeLa cells maximized at 20 h suggesting both extracellular and intracellular photothermal treatment capabilities. The combination of the photothermal and imaging modalities tested in vitro makes the GQDs developed in this work prospective agents for cancer theragnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Gretel A. Stokes
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Alina Valimukhametova
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Steven Nguyen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | | | - Adam Bhaloo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Jeffery Coffer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Anton V. Naumov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
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Sun X, Fang F, Na J, Yan R, Huang Y, Zhou Z, Zhao Y, Li G. Fluorescent "turn-on" aptamer sensor for sensitive and reliable detection of Golgi glycoprotein 73 based on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots and molybdenum disulfide nanosheets. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 225:115215. [PMID: 36586381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115215] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The sensitivity and specificity of Golgi glycoprotein 73 (GP73) are very important for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, we constructed a new-fashioned fluorescent aptamer sensor for GP73 determination based on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDS) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets. N-GQDs with high fluorescence intensity and good stability were screened out, and GP73 aptamer (GP73Apt) is labeled with N-GQDs to form the N-GQDs-GP73Apt fluorescence probe. MoS2 nanosheets can quench the fluorescence of N-GQDs-GP73Apt owing to fluorescence resonance energy transfer mechanisms. After introducing GP73 into the biosensing system, the N-GQDs-GP73Apt specifically bound with GP73 to form the deployable structures, making N-GQDs-GP73Apt far away from MoS2, blocking the fluorescence energy transfer process, and restoring the fluorescence of N-GQDs-GP73Apt. When the GP73 concentration was in the extent of 2.5 ng/mL∼100 ng/mL, the relative fluorescence recovery is linearly relevant to the concentration of GP73, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 1.29 ng/mL (S/N = 3). Moreover in the application of actual serum sample detection, the recovery was range 98.85∼100.55 %. The fluorescent aptamer sensor can rapidly detect and analyze the serum marker GP73 with the characteristics of low-cost, high sensitivity, good specificity and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjun Sun
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Fengyan Fang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Jintong Na
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Runjie Yan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Yong Huang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zhide Zhou
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China.
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Guiyin Li
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; College of Chemistry, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Guandu Road, Maoming, Guangdong 525000, China.
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