1
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Wang Y, Yu Z, Smith CS, Caneva S. Site-Specific Integration of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Quantum Emitters on 2D DNA Origami Nanopores. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:8510-8517. [PMID: 38856705 PMCID: PMC11261624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Optical emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are promising probes for single-molecule sensing platforms. When engineered in nanoparticle form, they can be integrated as detectors in nanodevices, yet positional control at the nanoscale is lacking. Here we demonstrate the functionalization of DNA origami nanopores with optically active hBN nanoparticles (NPs) with nanometer precision. The NPs are active under three wavelengths of visible illumination and display both stable and blinking emission, enabling their accurate localization by using wide-field optical nanoscopy. Correlative opto-structural characterization reveals deterministic binding of bright, multicolor hBN NPs at the pore rim due to π-π stacking interactions at site-specific locations on the DNA origami. Our work provides a scalable, bottom-up approach toward deterministic assembly of solid-state emitters on arbitrary structural elements based on DNA origami. Such a nanoscale arrangement of optically active components can advance the development of single-molecule platforms, including optical nanopores and nanochannel sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabin Wang
- Department
of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628
CD, Delft, The Netherlands
- Delft
Center for Systems and Control, Delft University
of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, Netherlands
| | - Ze Yu
- Department
of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628
CD, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Carlas S. Smith
- Delft
Center for Systems and Control, Delft University
of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, Netherlands
| | - Sabina Caneva
- Department
of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628
CD, Delft, The Netherlands
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2
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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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3
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Akmal MH, Kalashgrani MY, Mousavi SM, Rahmanian V, Sharma N, Gholami A, Althomali RH, Rahman MM, Chiang WH. Recent advances in synergistic use of GQD-based hydrogels for bioimaging and drug delivery in cancer treatment. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5039-5060. [PMID: 38716622 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00024b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dot (GQD) integration into hydrogel matrices has become a viable approach for improving drug delivery and bioimaging in cancer treatment in recent years. Due to their distinct physicochemical characteristics, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted interest as adaptable nanomaterials for use in biomedicine. When incorporated into hydrogel frameworks, these nanomaterials exhibit enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and responsiveness to external stimuli. The synergistic pairing of hydrogels with GQDs has created new opportunities to tackle the problems related to drug delivery and bioimaging in cancer treatment. Bioimaging plays a pivotal role in the early detection and monitoring of cancer. GQD-based hydrogels, with their excellent photoluminescence properties, offer a superior platform for high-resolution imaging. The tunable fluorescence characteristics of GQDs enable real-time visualization of biological processes, facilitating the precise diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression. Moreover, the drug delivery landscape has been significantly transformed by GQD-based hydrogels. Because hydrogels are porous, therapeutic compounds may be placed into them and released in a controlled environment. The large surface area and distinct interactions of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with medicinal molecules boost loading capacity and release dynamics, ultimately improving therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, GQD-based hydrogels' stimulus-responsiveness allows for on-demand medication release, which minimizes adverse effects and improves therapeutic outcomes. The ability of GQD-based hydrogels to specifically target certain cancer cells makes them notable. Functionalizing GQDs with targeting ligands minimizes off-target effects and delivers therapeutic payloads to cancer cells selectively. Combined with imaging capabilities, this tailored drug delivery creates a theranostic platform for customized cancer treatment. In this study, the most recent advancements in the synergistic use of GQD-based hydrogels are reviewed, with particular attention to the potential revolution these materials might bring to the area of cancer theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hussnain Akmal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
| | | | - Seyyed Mojtaba Mousavi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
| | - Vahid Rahmanian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Drummondville, QC, Canada
| | - Neha Sharma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
| | - Ahmad Gholami
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Raed H Althomali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Art and Science, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Wadi Al-Dawasir 11991, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Rahman
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR) & Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, P.O. Box 80203, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Wei-Hung Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
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4
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Dar MS, Sahu NK. Graphene quantum dot-crafted nanocomposites: shaping the future landscape of biomedical advances. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:79. [PMID: 38695997 PMCID: PMC11065842 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04028-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a newly developed class of material, known as zero-dimensional nanomaterials, with characteristics derived from both carbon dots (CDs) and graphene. GQDs exhibit several ideal properties, including the potential to absorb incident energy, high water solubility, tunable photoluminescence, good stability, high drug-loading capacity, and notable biocompatibility, which make them powerful tools for various applications in the field of biomedicine. Additionally, GQDs can be incorporated with additional materials to develop nanocomposites with exceptional qualities and enriched functionalities. Inspired by the intriguing scientific discoveries and substantial contributions of GQDs to the field of biomedicine, we present a broad overview of recent advancements in GQDs-based nanocomposites for biomedical applications. The review first outlines the latest synthesis and classification of GQDs nanocomposite and enables their use in advanced composite materials for biomedicine. Furthermore, the systematic study of the biomedical applications for GQDs-based nanocomposites of drug delivery, biosensing, photothermal, photodynamic and combination therapies are emphasized. Finally, possibilities, challenges, and paths are highlighted to encourage additional research, which will lead to new therapeutics and global healthcare improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Suhaan Dar
- Centre for Nanotechnology Research, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Niroj Kumar Sahu
- Centre for Nanotechnology Research, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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5
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Cho H, Bae G, Hong BH. Engineering functionalization and properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with controllable synthesis for energy and display applications. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:3347-3378. [PMID: 38288500 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05842e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a new type of 0D nanomaterial, are composed of a graphene lattice with sp2 bonding carbon core and characterized by their abundant edges and wide surface area. This unique structure imparts excellent electrical properties and exceptional physicochemical adsorption capabilities to GQDs. Additionally, the reduction in dimensionality of graphene leads to an open band gap in GQDs, resulting in their unique optical properties. The functional groups and dopants in GQDs are key factors that allow the modulation of these characteristics. So, controlling the functionalization level of GQDs is crucial for understanding their characteristics and further application. This review provides an overview of the properties and structure of GQDs and summarizes recent developments in research that focus on their controllable synthesis, involving functional groups and doping. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive and focused explanation of how GQDs have been advantageously applied in recent years, particularly in the fields of energy storage devices and displays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonwoo Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gaeun Bae
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung Hee Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Graphene Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon 16229, Republic of Korea
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6
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Taheri M. Advances in Nanohybrid Membranes for Dye Reduction: A Comprehensive Review. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2024; 8:2300052. [PMID: 38223886 PMCID: PMC10784202 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Separating valuable materials such as dyes from wastewater using membranes and returning them to the production line is a desirable environmental and economical procedure. However, sometimes, besides filtration, adsorption, and separation processes, pollutant destruction also can be suitable using photocatalytic membranes. The art of producing nanohybrid materials in contrast with nanocomposites encompasses nanomaterial synthesis as a new product with different properties from raw materials for nanohybrids versus the composition of nanomaterials for nanocomposites. According to the findings of this research, confirming proper synthesis of nanohybrid is one challenge that can be overcome by different analyses, other researchers' reports, and the theoretical assessment of physical or chemical reactions. The application of organic-inorganic nanomaterials and frameworks is another challenge that is discussed in the present work. According to the findings, Nanohybrid Membranes (NHMs) can achieve 100% decolorization, but cannot eliminate salts and dyes, although the removal efficiency is notable for some salts, especially divalent salts. Hydrophilicity, antifouling properties, flux, pressure, costs, usage frequency, and mechanical, chemical, and thermal stabilities of NHMs should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Taheri
- Civil and Environmental Engineering DepartmentAmirkabir University of Technology (AUT)Hafez Ave.Tehran15875‐4413Iran
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7
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Saleem H, Saud A, Zaidi SJ. Sustainable Preparation of Graphene Quantum Dots from Leaves of Date Palm Tree. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:28098-28108. [PMID: 37576687 PMCID: PMC10413365 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), a subtropical and tropical tree, included in the family Palmae (Arecaceae) is one of the oldest cultivated plants of mankind. Date palm is a major agricultural product in the semi-arid and arid areas of the world, particularly in Arab countries. These trees generate high quantities of agricultural waste in the form of dry leaves, seeds, etc. In this study, dried date palm leaves were used as green precursors for synthesizing graphene quantum dots (GQDs). This work reported the preparation of GQDs using two different sustainable methods. GQD-1 was developed using a simple, hydrothermal technique at 200 °C for 12 h in water, with no requirement of reducing or passivizing agents or organic solvents. GQD-2 was prepared using a hydrothermal technique at 200 °C for 12 h in water, with the usage of just distilled water and absolute ethanol. The compositional analysis of the leaf extract was performed, along with the morphological, compositional, and optical examination of the sustainably developed GQDs. The characterization results confirmed the successful formation of GQDs, with average sizes ranging from 3.5 to 8 nm. This study helps to obtain GQDs in an economical, eco-friendly, and biocompatible manner and can assist in large-scale production and in recycling date palm tree waste products from Middle East countries into value-added products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Saleem
- UNESCO Chair on Desalination
and Water Treatment, Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Asif Saud
- UNESCO Chair on Desalination
and Water Treatment, Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Syed Javaid Zaidi
- UNESCO Chair on Desalination
and Water Treatment, Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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8
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Kalluri A, Dharmadhikari B, Debnath D, Patra P, Kumar CV. Advances in Structural Modifications and Properties of Graphene Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:21358-21376. [PMID: 37360447 PMCID: PMC10286289 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c08183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are carbon-based, zero-dimensional nanomaterials and unique due to their astonishing optical, electronic, chemical, and biological properties. Chemical, photochemical, and biochemical properties of GQDs are intensely being explored for bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery. The synthesis of GQDs by top-down and bottom-up approaches, their chemical functionalization, bandgap engineering, and biomedical applications are reviewed here. Current challenges and future perspectives of GQDs are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankarao Kalluri
- Department
of Material Science, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Molecular and Cell
Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Bhushan Dharmadhikari
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota 56001, USA
| | - Debika Debnath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of
Mechanical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604, USA
| | - Prabir Patra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of
Mechanical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604, USA
| | - Challa Vijaya Kumar
- Department
of Material Science, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Molecular and Cell
Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
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9
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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 PMCID: PMC11334710 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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10
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Boukhvalov DW, Osipov VY, Hogan BT, Baldycheva A. A comprehensive model of nitrogen-free ordered carbon quantum dots. DISCOVER NANO 2023; 18:1. [PMID: 36719545 PMCID: PMC9889594 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03773-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We propose and demonstrate a novel range of models to accurately determine the optical properties of nitrogen-free carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with ordered graphene layered structures. We confirm the results of our models against the full range of experimental results for CQDs available from an extensive review of the literature. The models can be equally applied to CQDs with varied sizes and with different oxygen contents in the basal planes of the constituent graphenic sheets. We demonstrate that the experimentally observed blue fluorescent emission of nitrogen-free CQDs can be associated with either small oxidised areas on the periphery of the graphenic sheets, or with sub-nanometre non-functionalised islands of sp2-hybridised carbon with high symmetry confined in the centres of oxidised graphene sheets. Larger and/or less symmetric non-functionalised regions in the centre of functionalised graphene sheet are found to be sources of green and even red fluorescent emission from nitrogen-free CQDs. We also demonstrate an approach to simplify the modelling of the discussed sp2-islands by substitution with equivalent strained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Additionally, we show that the bandgaps (and photoluminescence) of CQDs are not dependent on either out-of-plane corrugation of the graphene sheet or the spacing between sp2-islands. Advantageously, our proposed models show that there is no need to involve light-emitting polycyclic aromatic molecules (nanographenes) with arbitrary structures grafted to the particle periphery to explain the plethora of optical phenomena observed for CQDs across the full range of experimental works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danil W. Boukhvalov
- College of Science, Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Physics and Technology, Ural Federal University, Mira 19 Str., Yekaterinburg, Russia 620002
| | | | - Benjamin Thomas Hogan
- STEMM Laboratory, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter, EX4 4QF UK
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University, 45 Union St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Anna Baldycheva
- STEMM Laboratory, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter, EX4 4QF UK
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11
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Saud A, Saleem H, Munira N, Shahab AA, Rahman Siddiqui H, Zaidi SJ. Sustainable Preparation of Graphene Quantum Dots for Metal Ion Sensing Application. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:148. [PMID: 36616057 PMCID: PMC9823882 DOI: 10.3390/nano13010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Over the past several years, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been extensively studied in water treatment and sensing applications because of their exceptional structure-related properties, intrinsic inert carbon property, eco-friendly nature, etc. This work reported on the preparation of GQDs from the ethanolic extracts of eucalyptus tree leaves by a hydrothermal treatment technique. Different heat treatment times and temperatures were used during the hydrothermal treatment technique. The optical, morphological, and compositional analyses of the green-synthesized GQDs were carried out. It can be noted that the product yield of GQDs showed the maximum yield at a reaction temperature of 300 °C. Further, it was noted that at a treatment period of 480 min, the greatest product yield of about 44.34% was attained. The quantum yields of prepared GQDs obtained after 480 min of treatment at 300 °C (named as GQD/300) were noted to be 0.069. Moreover, the D/G ratio of GQD/300 was noted to be 0.532 and this suggested that the GQD/300 developed has a nano-crystalline graphite structure. The TEM images demonstrated the development of GQD/300 with sizes between 2.0 to 5.0 nm. Furthermore, it was noted that the GQD/300 can detect Fe3+ in a very selective manner, and hence the developed GQD/300 was successfully used for the metal ion sensing application.
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12
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Moniruzzaman M, Dutta SD, Lim KT, Kim J. Perylene-Derived Hydrophilic Carbon Dots with Polychromatic Emissions as Superior Bioimaging and NIR-Responsive Photothermal Bactericidal Agent. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:37388-37400. [PMID: 36312345 PMCID: PMC9607673 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Little progress has been achieved on the synthesis of hydrophilic carbon dots (CDs), derived from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as an excellent photothermal agent. In this study, a strategy was developed to synthesize highly photoluminescent greenish-yellow emissive CDs based on nitration followed by hydrothermal carbonization of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon precursor, perylene. The perylene-derived CDs (PY-CDs) exhibited an excellent NIR-light (808 nm) harvesting property toward high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE = ∼56.7%) and thus demonstrated remarkable NIR-light responsive photothermal bactericidal performance. Furthermore, these fluorescent PY-CD nanoprobes displayed excitation-dependent polychromatic emissions in the range of 538-600 nm, with the maximum emission at 538 nm. This enables intense multicolor biological imaging of cellular substances with long-term photostability, nontoxicity, and effective subcellular distribution. The bactericidal action of PY-CDs is likely due to the elevated reactive oxygen species amplification in cooperation with the hyperthermia effect. This study offers a potential substitute for multicolor imaging-guided metal-free carbon-based photothermal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Moniruzzaman
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Sayan Deb Dutta
- Department
of Biosystems Engineering, Kangwon National
University, Chuncheon24341, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Taek Lim
- Department
of Biosystems Engineering, Kangwon National
University, Chuncheon24341, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsung Kim
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea
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13
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Liang L, Shen X, Zhou M, Chen Y, Lu X, Zhang L, Wang W, Shen JW. Theoretical Evaluation of Potential Cytotoxicity of Graphene Quantum Dot to Adsorbed DNA. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:7435. [PMID: 36363026 PMCID: PMC9654448 DOI: 10.3390/ma15217435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As a zero-dimensional (0D) nanomaterial, graphene quantum dot (GQD) has a unique physical structure and electrochemical properties, which has been widely used in biomedical fields, such as bioimaging, biosensor, drug delivery, etc. Its biological safety and potential cytotoxicity to human and animal cells have become a growing concern in recent years. In particular, the potential DNA structure damage caused by GQD is of great importance but still obscure. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to investigate the adsorption behavior and the structural changes of single-stranded (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) on the surfaces of GQDs with different sizes and oxidation. Our results showed that ssDNA can strongly adsorb and lay flat on the surface of GQDs and graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), whereas dsDNA was preferentially oriented vertically on both surfaces. With the increase of GQDs size, more structural change of adsorbed ssDNA and dsDNA could be found, while the size effect of GOQD on the structure of ssDNA and dsDNA is not significant. These findings may help to improve the understanding of GQD biocompatibility and potential applications of GQD in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Liang
- Center for X-Mechanics, Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- College of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xin Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Mengdi Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yijian Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xudong Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Surface & Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, West Lake Road 38, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jia-Wei Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
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14
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Wilczewska P, Breczko J, Bobrowska DM, Wysocka-Żołopa M, Goclon J, Basa A, Winkler K. Enhancement of polypyrrole electrochemical performance with graphene quantum dots in polypyrrole nanoparticle/graphene quantum dot composites. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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15
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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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16
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Ajgaonkar R, Lee B, Valimukhametova A, Nguyen S, Gonzalez-Rodriguez R, Coffer J, Akkaraju GR, Naumov AV. Detection of Pancreatic Cancer miRNA with Biocompatible Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:5760. [PMID: 36013894 PMCID: PMC9414703 DOI: 10.3390/ma15165760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Early-stage pancreatic cancer remains challenging to detect, leading to a poor five-year patient survival rate. This obstacle necessitates the development of early detection approaches based on novel technologies and materials. In this work, the presence of a specific pancreatic cancer-derived miRNA (pre-miR-132) is detected using the fluorescence properties of biocompatible nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) synthesized using a bottom-up approach from a single glucosamine precursor. The sensor platform is comprised of slightly positively charged (1.14 ± 0.36 mV) NGQDs bound via π-π stacking and/or electrostatic interactions to the negatively charged (-22.4 ± 6.00 mV) bait ssDNA; together, they form a complex with a 20 nm average size. The NGQDs' fluorescence distinguishes specific single-stranded DNA sequences due to bait-target complementarity, discriminating them from random control sequences with sensitivity in the micromolar range. Furthermore, this targetability can also detect the stem and loop portions of pre-miR-132, adding to the practicality of the biosensor. This non-invasive approach allows cancer-specific miRNA detection to facilitate early diagnosis of various forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Ajgaonkar
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Bong Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Alina Valimukhametova
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Steven Nguyen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | | | - Jeffery Coffer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | | | - Anton V. Naumov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
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17
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Shandilya R, Bhargava A, Ratre P, Kumari R, Tiwari R, Chauhan P, Mishra PK. Graphene Quantum-Dot-Based Nanophotonic Approach for Targeted Detection of Long Noncoding RNAs in Circulation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:26601-26609. [PMID: 35936471 PMCID: PMC9352251 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in the field of nanophotonics has opened up novel avenues for developing nanomaterial-based biosensing systems, which can detect various disease-specific biomarkers, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) known to circulate in biological fluids. Herein, we designed and developed a nanophotonic approach for rapid and specific capture of lncRNAs using oligonucleotide-conjugated graphene quantum-dot-nanoconjugates. The method offers accurate identification of the target lncRNAs with high selectivity, despite the presence of other molecules in the given sample. The observations also pointed toward the high feasibility and simplicity of the method in the selective determination of lncRNAs. Overall, the approach has the potential of assessing lncRNA expression as a function of disease initiation and progression.
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18
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Agrawal N, Bhagel D, Mishra P, Prasad D, Kohli E. Post-synthetic modification of graphene quantum dots bestows enhanced biosensing and antibiofilm ability: efficiency facet. RSC Adv 2022; 12:12310-12320. [PMID: 35480352 PMCID: PMC9027252 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00494a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a luminescent class of carbon nanomaterials with a graphene-like core structure, possessing quantum confinement and edge effects. They have gained importance in the biological world due to their inherent biocompatibility, good water dispersibility, excellent fluorescence and photostability. The improved properties of GQDs require the logical enactment of functional groups, which can be easily attained through post-synthetic non-covalent routes of modification. In this regard, the present work has for the first time employed a simple one-pot post-modification method utilizing the salt of amino caproic acid, an FDA approved reagent. The adsorption of the modifier on GQDs with varying weight ratios is characterized through DLS, zeta potential, Raman, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. A decrease of 20% in the fluorescence intensity with an increase in the modifier ratio from 1 to 1000 and an increased DLS size as well as zeta potential demonstrate the efficient modification as well as higher stability of the modified GQDs. The modified GQDs with a high weight ratio (1 : 100) of the modifier showed superior ability to sense dopamine, a neurotransmitter, as well as competent biofilm degradation ability. The modified GQDs could sense more efficiently than pristine GQDs, with a sensitivity as low as 0.06 μM (limit of detection) and 90% selectivity in the presence of other neurotransmitters. The linear relationship showed a decrease in the fluorescence intensity with increasing dopamine concentration from 0.0625 μM to 50 μM. Furthermore, the efficiency of the modified GQDs was also assessed in terms of their antibiofilm effect against Staphylococcus aureus. The unmodified GQDs showed only 10% disruption of the adhered bacterial colonies, while the modified GQDs (1 : 100) showed significantly more than 60% disruption of the biofilm, presenting the competency of the modified GQDs. The unique modifications of GQDs have thus proven to be an effective method for the proficient utilization of zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials for biosensing, bioimaging, antibacterial and anti-biofilm applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Agrawal
- Department of Neurobiobiology, DIPAS, DRDO New Delhi 110045 India
| | - Dolly Bhagel
- Department of Neurobiobiology, DIPAS, DRDO New Delhi 110045 India
| | - Priyanka Mishra
- Department of Immunomodulation, DIPAS, DRDO New Delhi-110045 India
| | - Dipti Prasad
- Department of Neurobiobiology, DIPAS, DRDO New Delhi 110045 India
| | - Ekta Kohli
- Department of Neurobiobiology, DIPAS, DRDO New Delhi 110045 India
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19
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Wang H, Han J, Wang M, Wang L, Jia S, Cao H, Hu S, He YB. Bottom-up synthesized crystalline boron quantum dots with nonvolatile memory effects through one-step hydrothermal polymerization of ammonium pentaborane and boric acid. CrystEngComm 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2ce00298a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Crystalline BQDs are synthesized through a bottom-up strategy and used to fabricate a BQD–PVP memory device with nonvolatile rewritable memory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqi Wang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, P. R. China
| | - Jiacheng Han
- School of Energy and Power Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, P. R. China
| | - Mei Wang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, P. R. China
| | - Liyong Wang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, P. R. China
| | - Suping Jia
- School of Energy and Power Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, P. R. China
| | - Honghong Cao
- School of Energy and Power Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, P. R. China
| | - Shengliang Hu
- School of Energy and Power Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Bing He
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
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20
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Smirnov MA, Tolmachev DA, Glova AD, Sokolova MP, Geydt PV, Lukasheva NV, Lyulin SV. Combined Use of Atomic Force Microscopy and Molecular Dynamics in the Study of Biopolymer Systems. POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES C 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1811238221020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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21
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Jauja-Ccana V, Cordova-Huaman AV, Feliciano GT, La Rosa-Toro Gómez A. Experimental and molecular dynamics study of graphene oxide quantum dots interaction with solvents and its aggregation mechanism. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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Wei X, Li P, Zhou H, Hu X, Liu D, Wu J, Wang Y. Engineering of gemcitabine coated nano-graphene oxide sheets for efficient near-infrared radiation mediated in vivo lung cancer photothermal therapy. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2021; 216:112125. [PMID: 33601257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gemcitabine (GEM) and its derivatives of deoxycytosine is a promising anticancer candidate which is effective for the treatment of various cancers including lung cancer via cascade targetting Erk/Mek/Raf/Ras pathway and blocking the proliferation of the tumor cells. In this present work, we have described reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in the presence of anticancer utilizing ascorbic acid as reducing agents for lung cancer treatment. GEM reduced graphene oxide (termed as GEM-rGO) has resulted in a smooth and transparent morphological surface, which was confirmed by various spectroscopical investigations. The anticancer drug-loaded rGO has displayed remarkable cytotoxic activities against a panel of lung cancer cell lines when compared to the untreated lung cancer cells. Further, we examined the morphological observation of the cancer cell death was monitored through the fluorescence microscopic examinations. In addition, the cell deaths of the lung cancer cells were observed by the flow cytometry analyses. In addition, the non-toxic nature of potent GEM-rGO and GEM-rGO + NIR was confirmed by in vivo systemic toxicity analysis. Besides, the higher safety feature of the GEM-rGO and GEM-rGO + NIR was evidenced by histological analyses of the mice organs. The subcutaneous injection of GEM-rGO and GEM-rGO + NIR into mice bearing A549 xenografts more effectively inhibited the tumor than the free GEM. Based on the outcomes, we can summarise that the GEM reduced graphene oxide (GEM-rGO) can be used as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of lung cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peixian Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin 150088, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaowei Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jin Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
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23
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Evaluation of Different Bottom-up Routes for the Fabrication of Carbon Dots. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10071316. [PMID: 32635483 PMCID: PMC7407658 DOI: 10.3390/nano10071316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based nanoparticles with very attractive luminescence features. Furthermore, their synthesis by bottom-up strategies is quite flexible, as tuning the reaction precursors and synthesis procedures can lead to an endless number of CDs with distinct properties and applications. However, this complex variability has made the characterization of the structural and optical properties of the nanomaterials difficult. Herein, we performed a systematic evaluation of the effect of three representative bottom-up strategies (hydrothermal, microwave-assisted, and calcination) on the properties of CDs prepared from the same precursors (citric acid and urea). Our results revealed that these synthesis routes led to nanoparticles with similar sizes, identical excitation-dependent blue-to-green emission, and similar surface-functionalization. However, we have also found that microwave and calcination strategies are more efficient towards nitrogen-doping than hydrothermal synthesis, and thus, the former routes are able to generate CDs with significantly higher fluorescence quantum yields than the latter. Furthermore, the different synthesis strategies appear to have a role in the origin of the photoluminescence of the CDs, as hydrothermal-based nanoparticles present an emission more dependent on surface states, while microwave- and calcination-based CDs present an emission with more contributions from core states. Furthermore, calcination and microwave routes are more suitable for high-yield synthesis (~27-29%), while hydrothermal synthesis present almost negligible synthesis yields (~2%). Finally, life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to investigate the sustainability of these processes and indicated microwave synthesis as the best choice for future studies.
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