Berberine-based carbon dots for selective and safe cancer theranostics

Biomass-derived carbon dots with pharmacological activity for biomedicine: Recent advances and future perspectives

Carbon dots (CDs), a type of nanoparticle with excellent optical properties, good biocompatibility, and small size, are finding increasing application across the fields of biology and biomedicine. In recent years, biomass-derived CDs with pharmacological activity (BP-CDs) derived from herbal medicines (HMs), HMs extracts and other natural products with demonstrated pharmaceutical activity have attracted particular attention. Herein, we review recent advances in the development of BP-CDs, covering the selection of biomass precursors, different methods used for the synthesis of BP-CDs from natural sources, and the purification of BP-CDs. Additionally, we summarize the many remarkable properties of BP-CDs including optical properties, biocompatibility and pharmaceutical efficacy. Moreover, the antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, biosensing, bioimaging, and other applications of BP-CDs are reviewed. Thereafter, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of BP-CDs and Western drug-derived CDs, highlighting the excellent performance of BP-CDs. Finally, based on the current state of research on BP-CDs, we suggest several aspects of BP-CDs that urgently need to be addressed and identify directions that should be pursued in the future. This comprehensive review on BP-CDs is expected to guide the precise design, preparation, and future development of BP-CDs, thereby advancing the application of BP-CDs in biomedicine.

In vitro profiling and molecular dynamics simulation studies of berberine loaded MCM-41 mesoporous silica nanoparticles to prevent neuronal apoptosis

Neuronal loss in Alzheimer's disease has been reported to display features of apoptosis, pyroptosis (programmed necrosis), or necroptosis. This study thoroughly examines the production and characterization of MCM-41 based berberine (BBR)-loaded porous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) by a modified Stöber method, focusing on their possible role in inhibiting the apoptotic process. Particle size, polydispersity index, morphology, drug loading, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug release were examined. The formulation was analyzed using various spectroscopic techniques. The surface area was computed by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller plot. Computational models were developed for molecular dynamics simulation studies. A small PDI value indicated an even distribution of particles at nanoscale sizes (80-100 nm). Results from XRD and SEAD experiments confirmed the amorphous nature of BBR in nanoparticles. Nanoparticles had high entrapment (75.21 ± 1.55%) and drug loading (28.16 ± 2.5%) efficiencies. A negative zeta potential value (-36.861.1 mV) indicates the presence of silanol groups on the surface of silica. AFM findings reveal bumps due to the surface drug that contributed to the improved roughness of the MSNs-BBR surface. Thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of BBR in MSNs. Drug release was controlled by simple diffusion or quasi-diffusion. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the existence of diffused drug molecules. Cellular studies using SH-SY-5Y cells revealed dose-dependent growth inhibition. Fragmented cell nuclei and nuclear apoptotic bodies in DAPI-stained cells exposed to nanoparticles showed an increase in apoptotic cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated a lower red-to-green ratio in SH-SY-5Y cells treated with nanoparticles. This suggests improved mitochondrial health, cellular viability restoration, and prevention of the apoptotic process. This study provides essential data on the synthesis and potential of MSNs loaded with BBR, which may serve as a viable therapeutic intervention for conditions associated with apoptosis.

Carbon quantum dots in bioimaging and biomedicines

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are gaining a lot more attention than traditional semiconductor quantum dots owing to their intrinsic fluorescence property, chemical inertness, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and simple and inexpensive synthetic route of preparation. These properties allow CQDs to be utilized for a broad range of applications in various fields of scientific research including biomedical sciences, particularly in bioimaging and biomedicines. CQDs are a promising choice for advanced nanomaterials research for bioimaging and biomedicines owing to their unique chemical, physical, and optical properties. CQDs doped with hetero atom, or polymer composite materials are extremely advantageous for biochemical, biological, and biomedical applications since they are easy to prepare, biocompatible, and have beneficial properties. This type of CQD is highly useful in phototherapy, gene therapy, medication delivery, and bioimaging. This review explores the applications of CQDs in bioimaging and biomedicine, highlighting recent advancements and future possibilities to increase interest in their numerous advantages for therapeutic applications.

Carbonized polymer dots derived from metformin and L-arginine for tumor cell membrane- and mitochondria-dual targeting therapy

Metformin has demonstrated antitumor potential in clinical studies; however, achieving optimal antitumor effects requires administering an extremely safe medication dose. To enhance the efficacy and reduce dosage requirements, we propose the creation of large-molecule drugs through the combination of small-molecule drugs. In this study, we developed novel polymer dots, referred to as MA-dots, with sizes of approximately 5 nm, featuring dual targeting capabilities for tumor cell membranes and mitochondria. MA-dots were synthesized using metformin and L-arginine via a rapid microwave-assisted method. Notably, the resulting MA-dots (with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 93.60 μg mL-1) exhibited more than a 12-fold increase in antitumor activity compared to the raw metformin material (IC50 = 1159.00 μg mL-1) over a 24-hour period. In addition, our MA-dots outperformed most metformin-derived nanodrugs in terms of antitumor efficacy. Furthermore, oral gavage treatment with MA-dots led to the suppression of A549 (lung cancer cell lines) tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that MA-dots bound to the large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) proteins, which are overexpressed in malignant tumor cell membranes. Moreover, these MA-dots accumulated within the mitochondria, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial damage, and disruption of energy metabolism by modulating the 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in tumor cells. This cascade of events triggers cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In summary, this study presented a rapid method for fabricating a novel nanoderivative, MA-dots, capable of both tumor targeting and exerting tumor-suppressive effects.

In vitro toxicity of naringin and berberine alone, and encapsulated within PMMA nanoparticles

Phytochemical compounds, such as naringin and berberine, have been used for many years due to their antioxidant activities, and consequently, beneficial health effects. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of naringin, berberine and poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated with naringin or berberine and their possible cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic effects on mouse fibroblast (NIH/3 T3) and colon cancer (Caco-2) cells. According to the results of the study, it was found that the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition antioxidant activity of naringin, berberine, and naringin or berberine encapsulated PMMA NPs, was significantly increased at higher tested concentrations due to the antioxidant effects of naringin, berberine and naringin or berberine encapsulated PMMA NPs. As a result of the cytotoxicity assay, after 24-, 48- and 72-h of exposure, all of the studied compounds caused cytotoxic effects in both cell lines. Genotoxic effects of studied compounds were not registered at lower tested concentrations. Based on these data, polymeric nanoparticles encapsulated with naringin or berberine may contribute to new treatment approaches for cancer, but further in vivo and in vitro research is required.

Bioactive Graphene Quantum Dots Based Polymer Composite for Biomedical Applications

Today, nanomedicine seeks to develop new polymer composites to overcome current problems in diagnosing and treating common diseases, especially cancer. To achieve this goal, research on polymer composites has expanded so that, in recent years, interdisciplinary collaborations between scientists have been expanding day by day. The synthesis and applications of bioactive GQD-based polymer composites have been investigated in medicine and biomedicine. Bioactive GQD-based polymer composites have a special role as drug delivery carriers. Bioactive GQDs are one of the newcomers to the list of carbon-based nanomaterials. In addition, the antibacterial and anti-diabetic potentials of bioactive GQDs are already known. Due to their highly specific surface properties, π-π aggregation, and hydrophobic interactions, bioactive GQD-based polymer composites have a high drug loading capacity, and, in case of proper correction, can be used as an excellent option for the release of anticancer drugs, gene carriers, biosensors, bioimaging, antibacterial applications, cell culture, and tissue engineering. In this paper, we summarize recent advances in using bioactive GQD-based polymer composites in drug delivery, gene delivery, thermal therapy, thermodynamic therapy, bioimaging, tissue engineering, bioactive GQD synthesis, and GQD green resuscitation, in addition to examining GQD-based polymer composites.

Phytochemically Derived Zingerone Nanoparticles Inhibit Cell Proliferation, Invasion and Metastasis in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Due to its aggressiveness and high mortality rate, oral cancer still represents a tough challenge for current cancer therapeutics. Similar to other carcinomas, cancerous invasion and metastasis are the most important prognostic factors and the main obstacles to therapy for human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Fortunately, with the rise of the nanotechnical era and innovative nanomaterial fabrication, nanomaterials are widely used in biomedicine, cancer therapeutics, and chemoprevention. Recently, phytochemical substances have attracted increasing interest as adjuvants to conventional cancer therapy. The ginger phenolic compound zingerone, a multitarget pharmacological and bioactive phytochemical, possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. In our previous study, we generated phytochemically derived zingerone nanoparticles (NPs), and documented their superior antitumorigenic effect on human hepatoma cells. In the present study, we further investigated the effects of zingerone NPs on inhibiting the invasiveness and metastasis of human OSCC cell lines. Zingerone NPs elicited significant cytotoxicity in three OSCC cell lines compared to zingerone. Moreover, the lower dose of zingerone NPs (25 µM) markedly inhibited colony formation and colony survival by at least five-fold compared to zingerone treatment. Additionally, zingerone NPs significantly attenuated cell motility and invasiveness. In terms of the signaling mechanism, we determined that the zingerone NP-mediated downregulation of Akt signaling played an important role in the inhibition of cell viability and cell motility. Zingerone NPs inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which was highly correlated with the attenuation of cell migration and cell invasion. By further detecting the roles of zingerone NPs in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), we observed that zingerone NPs substantially altered the levels of EMT-related markers by decreasing the levels of the mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin, rather than the epithelial proteins, ZO-1 and E-cadherin, compared with zingerone. In conclusion, as novel and efficient phytochemically derived nanoparticles, zingerone NPs may serve as a potent adjuvant to protect against cell invasion and metastasis, which will provide a beneficial strategy for future applications in chemoprevention and conventional therapeutics in OSCC treatment.

Highly fluorescent carbon dots as novel theranostic agents for biomedical applications

As an emerging fluorescent nanomaterial, carbon dots (CDs) exhibit many attractive physicochemical features, including excellent photoluminescence properties, good biocompatibility, low toxicity and the ability to maintain the unique properties of the raw material. Therefore, CDs have been intensively pursued for a wide range of applications, such as bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensors and antibacterial agents. In this review, we systematically summarize the synthesis methods of these CDs, their photoluminescence mechanisms, and the approaches for enhancing their fluorescence properties. Particularly, we summarize the recent research on the synthesis of CDs from drug molecules as raw materials and introduce the representative application aspects of these fascinating CDs. Finally, we look into the future direction of CDs in the biomedical field and discuss the challenges encountered in the current development.

The use of nanotechnology to combat liver cancer: Progress and perspectives

Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is also one of the most difficult cancers to treat, resulting in almost one million deaths per year, and the danger of this cancer is compounded when the tumor is nonresectable. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and has the third highest mortality rate worldwide. Considering the morbid statistics surrounding this cancer it is a popular research topic to target for better therapy practices. This review summarizes the role of nanotechnology in these endeavors. Nanoparticles (NPs) are a very broad class of material and many different kinds have been used to potentially combat liver cancer. Gold, silver, platinum, metal oxide, calcium, and selenium NPs as well as less common materials are all inorganic NPs that have been used as a therapeutic, carrier, or imaging agent in drug delivery systems (DDS) and these efforts are described. Carbon-based NPs, including polymeric, polysaccharide, and lipid NPs as well as carbon dots, have also been widely studied for this purpose and the role they play in DDS for the treatment of liver cancer is illustrated in this review. The multifunctional nature of many NPs described herein, allows these systems to display high anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo and highlights the advantage of and need for combinatorial therapy in treating this difficult cancer. These works are summarized, and future directions are presented for this promising field.

Self-Assembly Engineering Nanodrugs Composed of Paclitaxel and Curcumin for the Combined Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

The clinical outcomes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) chemotherapy are unsatisfactory. Water solubility and biosafety of chemo drugs are also major barriers for achieving satisfactory treatment effect. In this study, we have reported a combinational strategy by self-assembly engineering nanodrugs PC NDs, which were composed of paclitaxel (PTX) and curcumin (Cur), for effective and safe TNBC chemotherapy. PC NDs were prepared through reprecipitation method without using any additional carriers. The PC NDs were preferentially taken up by TNBC cells and we also observed pH-related drug release. Compared with free PTX and simple PTX/Cur mixture, PC NDs have shown higher therapeutic efficiency and better prognosis while the metastasis rate was significantly lower than that of either PTX or PTX/Cur mix group. Therefore, the self-assembly engineered PC NDs might be a promising nanodrugs for efficient and safe TNBC chemotherapy.

Hydrophilic silicon nanoparticles as a turn-off and colorimetric fluorescent probe for curcuminoids detection in food samples and cell imaging

Hydrophilic fluorescent silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) with good pH stability, salt-tolerance and anti-photobleaching were for the first time prepared from hydrophobic 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane. Employing SiNPs as the fluorescence probe, selective quantification of curcuminoids based on the quenching effect was realized with a linearity of 0.046-7.4 μg/mL and a limit of detection of 17.6 ng/mL. Moreover, in light of fluorescence redshift of SiNPs corresponding to the elevated concentration of curcuminoids, a fluorescence colorimetric method was established based on only one extra probe, i.e. herein SiNPs. Thus, semi-quantification of curcuminoids (0-14.7 μg/mL) was visualized from blue to yellow color. Both the developed quantitative and semi-quantitative probe were successfully applied to determine curcuminoids in various actual food samples. Furthermore, SiNPs possessed low cytotoxicity and succeeded in intracellular curcuminoids imaging. The proposed SiNPs could be a promising fluorescence probe for multiple applications.

Progress of Cancer Nanotechnology as Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Theranostics Nanomedicine: Preclinical Promise and Translational Challenges

Early detection, right therapeutic intervention, and simultaneous effectiveness mapping are considered the critical factors in successful cancer therapy. Nevertheless, these factors experience the limitations of conventional cancer diagnostics and therapeutics delivery approaches. Along with providing the targeted therapeutics delivery, advances in nanomedicines have allowed the combination of therapy and diagnostics in a single system (called cancer theranostics). This paper discusses the progress in the pre-clinical and clinical development of therapeutics, diagnostics, and theranostics cancer nanomedicines. It has been well evident that compared to the overabundance of works that claimed success in pre-clinical studies, merely 15 and around 75 cancer nanomedicines are approved, and currently under clinical trials, respectively. Thus, we also brief the critical bottlenecks in the successful clinical translation of cancer nanomedicines.

Carbon Dots: A New Type of Carbon-Based Nanomaterial with Wide Applications

Carbon dots (CDs), as a new type of carbon-based nanomaterial, have attracted broad research interest for years, because of their diverse physicochemical properties and favorable attributes like good biocompatibility, unique optical properties, low cost, ecofriendliness, abundant functional groups (e.g., amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl), high stability, and electron mobility. In this Outlook, we comprehensively summarize the classification of CDs based on the analysis of their formation mechanism, micro-/nanostructure and property features, and describe their synthetic methods and optical properties including strong absorption, photoluminescence, and phosphorescence. Furthermore, the recent significant advances in diverse applications, including optical (sensor, anticounterfeiting), energy (light-emitting diodes, catalysis, photovoltaics, supercapacitors), and promising biomedicine, are systematically highlighted. Finally, we envisage the key issues to be challenged, future research directions, and perspectives to show a full picture of CDs-based materials.

Nanoparticles based on complex of berberine chloride and polymethacrylic or polyacrylic acid with antioxidant and in vitro antitumor activities

Berberine chloride (Brb) is a natural isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid that displayed a set of beneficial biological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral. Brb is poorly soluble in water and body fluids and its intestinal absorption is very low, which predetermine its low bioavailability. Polymeric nanoparticles seem to be a good platform to overcome these drawbacks. In this study, for the first time, stable aqueous dispersions of nanoparticles (NPs) based on complexes of Brb and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) or poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), were successfully prepared by mixing their dilute aqueous solutions as evidenced by the performed dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. It was found that the mean diameter and zeta potential of NPs depended on the Brb molar fraction. In the case of Brb/PMA and Brb/PAA NPs the encapsulation efficiency was observed to approach a maximum value of 58.9 ± 0.5% and of 78.4 ± 0.9%, respectively, at values of Brb molar fraction at which maximum amount of complexes was obtained. The performed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that Brb incorporated in the NPs was in the amorphous state. The Brb release profile was pH-dependent. The Brb-containing NPs displayed good antioxidant capacity close to that of free Brb. In vitro cell viability studies demonstrated that the Brb/PMA (PAA) NPs exerted a higher cytotoxicity against HeLa tumor cell than non-tumor BALB/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. Thus, the obtained NPs are promising candidates in the drug delivery systems in the treatment of cervical tumors.

Solubility and Stability Advantages of a New Cocrystal of Berberine Chloride with Fumaric Acid

BBC is a drug with a variety of activities but poor solubility. Cocrystal technology is an effective method to improve the solubility and stability of this type of compound. In this work, the cocrystal of BBC with fumaric acid was obtained at a stoichiometric ratio of 2:1. Studies on stabilities and solubilities were carried out using BBC dihydrate and tetrahydrate as reference materials. Results showed that this new cocrystal did not only significantly improve the dissolution rate of BBC but also highly improved the stability in high humidity and temperature. Given that the cocrystals formed by BBC as the host molecule were few, different techniques were applied for characterization and structural analyses. Moreover, theoretical calculations were performed on weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, which provided the research data for the study of this kind of cocrystal.

Haemostatic Nanoparticles-Derived Bioactivity of from Selaginella tamariscina Carbonisata

High-temperature carbonisation is used to prepare many traditional Chinese medicine charcoal drugs, but the bioactive haemostatic substances of these medicines and their mechanisms are still unknown. This study developed and evaluated nanoparticles (NPs) derived from Selaginella pulvinate Carbonisata (STC) for the first time. The haemostatic effect of STC-NPs prepared at 300, 350, and 400 °C were investigated in mouse tail amputation and liver scratch experiments. STC-NPs obtained at 400 °C had the strongest haemostatic effect, and were accordingly characterised by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. STC-NPs averaged 1.4-2.8 nm and exhibited a quantum yield of 6.06% at a maximum excitation wavelength of 332 nm and emission at 432 nm. STC-NPs displayed low toxicity against mouse monocyte macrophage RAW 264.7 cells by CCK-8 assay, and STC-NP treatment significantly shortened bleeding time in rat and mouse models. Coagulation assays showed that the haemostatic effects of STC-NPs were related to improving the fibrinogen and platelet contents, as well as decreasing the prothrombin time that resulted from stimulating extrinsic blood coagulation and activating the fibrinogen system. The STC-NPs had remarkable haemostatic effects in the tail amputation and liver scratch models; these effects may be associated with the exogenous coagulation pathway and activation of the brinogen system, according to the evaluation of the mouse coagulation parameters. This novel evaluation supports the material basis of STC use in traditional Chinese medicine, and this article is worthy of study by authors of clinical pharmacy.

Antihyperuricemic and anti-gouty arthritis activities of Aurantii fructus immaturus carbonisata-derived carbon dots

Aim: To explore the antihyperuricemia and anti-gouty arthritis activities of Aurantii fructus immaturus carbonisata-derived carbon dots (AFIC-CDs). Materials & methods: The AFIC-CDs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy; high-resolution transmission electron microscopy; ultraviolet, fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; high-performance liquid chromatography; and x-ray diffraction. Antihyperuricemia and anti-gouty arthritis activities of AFIC-CDs were explored in vivo and in vitro. Results: The AFIC-CDs diameter ranged from 1.1 to 4.4 nm, with a yield of 7.2%. AFIC-CDs reduced serum uric acid by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity in hyperuricemia rats and inhibited xanthine oxidase activity in vitro. AFIC-CDs improved gouty arthritis induced by monosodium urate crystals in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: AFIC-CDs may be a potential treatment for gout.

Bioactive carbon dots direct the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been the focus of bone regeneration due to their excellent osteogenic potential and abundant source. However, the high-cost and low-efficiency differentiation of BMSCs into functional osteoblasts limits their clinical application. It is desirable to develop bioactive materials to integrate efficient differentiation and traceable properties in a biocompatible manner for MSC-based therapy. In this study, a new kind of bioactive carbon dot (CD) was facilely fabricated through a one-step hydrothermal method from adenosine and aspirin. These bioactive CDs were cytocompatible and biosafe with the capability of long-term fluorescent tracking of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Notably, the presence of bioactive CDs triggered and directed a series of events that followed the temporal pattern of osteogenic differentiation through the promotion of osteogenic transcription and enhancement of matrix mineralization. Moreover, cells with bioactive CDs exhibited more effective osteogenic differentiation behavior than cells treated with either adenosine or aspirin alone. Overall, these findings clearly showed that adenosine and aspirin-based CDs can direct osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in the absence of any external osteoinductive factors. The unique properties of bioactive CDs could provide insight into their potential for achieving efficient and safe MSC-based therapy.

Gram-scale production of carrier-free fluorescent berberine microrods for selective liver cancer therapy

Berberine, a widely used isoquinoline alkaloid in traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved to be a potential candidate in liver cancer therapy. However, the low therapeutic dose in the tumor target which is due to the poor solubility and oral bioavailability has limited its clinical application. In this study, fluorescent self-carried Berberine microrods (Ber-MRs) were prepared in gram-scale through a facile and cheap antisolvent precipitation method. Ber-MRs exhibited good optical properties, pH-responsive drug release behavior and selective and safe antitumor performance in vitro and in vivo without obvious toxicity. These findings have demonstrated that Ber-MRs are promising for efficient and safe liver cancer therapy. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(5):496-502, 2018.