1
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Krasley A, Li E, Galeana JM, Bulumulla C, Beyene AG, Demirer GS. Carbon Nanomaterial Fluorescent Probes and Their Biological Applications. Chem Rev 2024; 124:3085-3185. [PMID: 38478064 PMCID: PMC10979413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescent carbon nanomaterials have broadly useful chemical and photophysical attributes that are conducive to applications in biology. In this review, we focus on materials whose photophysics allow for the use of these materials in biomedical and environmental applications, with emphasis on imaging, biosensing, and cargo delivery. The review focuses primarily on graphitic carbon nanomaterials including graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes, as well as carbon dots and carbon nanohoops. Recent advances in and future prospects of these fields are discussed at depth, and where appropriate, references to reviews pertaining to older literature are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew
T. Krasley
- Janelia
Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Eugene Li
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Jesus M. Galeana
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Chandima Bulumulla
- Janelia
Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Abraham G. Beyene
- Janelia
Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Gozde S. Demirer
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
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2
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Drago S, Utzeri MA, Mauro N, Cavallaro G. Polyamidoamine-Carbon Nanodot Conjugates with Bioreducible Building Blocks: Smart Theranostic Platforms for Targeted siRNA Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1191-1204. [PMID: 38178792 PMCID: PMC10865362 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
This study focuses on designing hybrid theranostic nanosystems, utilizing gadolinium-doped carbon nanodots decorated with bioreducible amphoteric polyamidoamines (PAAs). The objective is to synergize the exceptional theranostic properties of gadolinium-doped carbon nanodots (CDs) with the siRNA complexation capabilities of PAAs. Linear copolymeric polyamidoamines, based on N,N'-bis(acryloyl)cystamine, arginine, and agmatine, were synthesized, resulting in three distinct amphoteric copolymers. Notably, sulfur bridges within the PAA repeating units confer pronounced susceptibility to glutathione-mediated degradation─a key attribute in the tumor microenvironment. This pathway enables controlled and stimuli-responsive siRNA release, theoretically providing precise spatiotemporal control over therapeutic interventions. The selected PAA, conjugated with CDs using the redox-sensitive spacer cystamine, formed the CDs-Cys-PAA conjugate with superior siRNA complexing capacity. Stable against polyanion exchange, the CDs-Cys-PAA/siRNA complex released siRNA in the presence of GSH. In vitro studies assessed cytocompatibility, internalization, and gene silencing efficacy on HeLa, MCF-7, and 16HBE cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore
Emanuele Drago
- Laboratory of Biocompatible
Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technologies (STEBICEF), University
of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mara Andrea Utzeri
- Laboratory of Biocompatible
Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technologies (STEBICEF), University
of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicolò Mauro
- Laboratory of Biocompatible
Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technologies (STEBICEF), University
of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Laboratory of Biocompatible
Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technologies (STEBICEF), University
of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
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3
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Mauro N, Cillari R, Andrea Utzeri M, Costa S, Giammona G, Nicosia A, Cavallaro G. Controlled delivery of sildenafil by β-Cyclodextrin-decorated sulfur-doped carbon nanodots: a synergistic activation of ROS signaling in tumors overexpressing PDE-5. Int J Pharm 2023; 645:123409. [PMID: 37722496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent sulfur- and nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (CDs) are zero-dimensional nanoparticles that mediate ROS production in cancer cells, displaying inherent anticancer properties. Thus, they have been proposed as nanotheranostic tools useful in image-guided cancer therapy. Here, we try to show that cancerous cells (high PDE-5 expression) receiving sildenafil delivered by CDs-based nanostructures promote positive reinforcement of PDE-5-mediated cell death via the overexpression of genes involved in the production of ROS. We explored the regioselective Huisgen cycloaddition between azide-β-cyclodextrin and CDs-alkyne to synthetize homogeneous nanostructures, named CDs-PEG4-β-Cdx, consisting of CDs functionalized at the surface with β-cyclodextrins capable of including high amount drugs such as sildenafil (>20 % w/w), and releasing them in a controlled manner. We investigated how CDs-PEG4-β-Cdx bearing sildenafil enter cells, enhancing ROS production and cell death specifically in cancer cells overexpressing PDE-5. These nanoplatforms go beyond the bounds of EPR-based nanomedicines in which carriers are conceived as inert vehicles of toxic drugs. Our findings enable the development of clever anticancer nanoplatforms that synergistically combine nanomedicines that perturb the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ROS production) with PDE-5 inhibitors which trigger oxidative stress specifically in cancer cells regardless of their location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Mauro
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Roberta Cillari
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mara Andrea Utzeri
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetano Giammona
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; Advanced Technologies Network Center, Viale Delle Scienze Ed. 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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4
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Garcia-Millan T, Ramos-Soriano J, Ghirardello M, Liu X, Santi CM, Eloi JC, Pridmore N, Harniman RL, Morgan DJ, Hughes S, Davis SA, Oliver TAA, Kurian KM, Galan MC. Multicolor Photoluminescent Carbon Dots à La Carte for Biomedical Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:44711-44721. [PMID: 37715711 PMCID: PMC10540137 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c08200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Dual-emission fluorescence probes that provide high sensitivity are key for biomedical diagnostic applications. Nontoxic carbon dots (CDs) are an emerging alternative to traditional fluorescent probes; however, robust and reproducible synthetic strategies are still needed to access materials with controlled emission profiles and improved fluorescence quantum yields (FQYs). Herein, we report a practical and general synthetic strategy to access dual-emission CDs with FQYs as high as 0.67 and green/blue, yellow/blue, or red/blue excitation-dependent emission profiles using common starting materials such as citric acid, cysteine, and co-dopants to bias the synthetic pathway. Structural and physicochemical analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance, absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in addition to transmission electron and atomic force microscopy (TEM and AFM) is used to elucidate the material's composition which is responsible for the unique observed photoluminescence properties. Moreover, the utility of the probes is demonstrated in the clinical setting by the synthesis of green/blue emitting antibody-CD conjugates which are used for the immunohistochemical staining of human brain tissues of glioblastoma patients, showing detection under two different emission channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Ramos-Soriano
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - Mattia Ghirardello
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - Xia Liu
- Bristol
Medical School, Public Health Sciences, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol, Southmead Road, Bristol BS8 NB, U.K.
| | | | - Jean-Charles Eloi
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - Natalie Pridmore
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - Robert L. Harniman
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - David J. Morgan
- Cardiff
Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.
- HarwellXPS—The
EPSRC National Facility for Photoelectron, Spectroscopy, Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH), Didcot OX11 0FA, U.K.
| | - Stephen Hughes
- DST
Innovations Ltd, Unit
6a Bridgend Business Centre, Bennett Street, Bridgend CF31 3SH, U.K.
| | - Sean A. Davis
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - Thomas A. A. Oliver
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - Kathreena M. Kurian
- Bristol
Medical School, Public Health Sciences, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol, Southmead Road, Bristol BS8 NB, U.K.
| | - M. Carmen Galan
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
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5
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6
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Garcia-Millan T, Swift TA, Morgan DJ, Harniman RL, Masheder B, Hughes S, Davis SA, Oliver TAA, Galan MC. Small variations in reaction conditions tune carbon dot fluorescence. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:6930-6940. [PMID: 35466987 PMCID: PMC9109711 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr01306a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of robust and reproducible synthetic strategies for the production of carbon dots (CDs) with improved fluorescence quantum yields and distinct emission profiles is of great relevance given the vast range of applications of CDs. The fundamental understanding at a molecular level of their formation mechanism, chemical structure and how these parameters are correlated to their photoluminescence (PL) properties is thus essential. In this study, we describe the synthesis and structural characterization of a range of CDs with distinct physico-chemical properties. The materials were prepared under three minutes of microwave irradiation using the same common starting materials (D-glucosamine hydrochloride 1 and ethylenediamine 2) but modifying the stoichiometry of the reagents. We show that small variation in reaction conditions leads to changes in the fluorescent behaviour of the CDs, especially in the selective enhancement of overlapped fluorescence bands. Structural analysis of the different CD samples suggested different reaction pathways during the CD formation and surface passivation, with the latter step being key to the observed differences. Moreover, we demonstrate that these materials have distinct reversible response to pH changes, which we can be attribute to different behaviour towards protonation/deprotonation events of distinct emission domains present within each nanomaterial. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the reaction pathways that lead to the formation of this carbon-based nanomaterials and how this can be exploited to develop tailored materials towards specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas A Swift
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - David J Morgan
- Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
- HarwellXPS, - ESPRC National Facility for XPS, Research Complex at Harwell (RcAH), Didcot, Oxon OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Robert L Harniman
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - Benjamin Masheder
- DST Innovations Ltd, Unit 6a Bridgend Business Centre, Bennett Street, Bridgend, CF31 3SH, UK
| | - Stephen Hughes
- DST Innovations Ltd, Unit 6a Bridgend Business Centre, Bennett Street, Bridgend, CF31 3SH, UK
| | - Sean A Davis
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - Thomas A A Oliver
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - M Carmen Galan
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
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7
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Sciortino A, Ferrante F, Gonçalves G, Tobias G, Popescu R, Gerthsen D, Mauro N, Giammona G, Buscarino G, Gelardi FM, Agnello S, Cannas M, Duca D, Messina F. Ultrafast Interface Charge Separation in Carbon Nanodot-Nanotube Hybrids. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:49232-49241. [PMID: 34609127 PMCID: PMC8532113 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c16929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dots are an emerging family of zero-dimensional nanocarbons behaving as tunable light harvesters and photoactivated charge donors. Coupling them to carbon nanotubes, which are well-known electron acceptors with excellent charge transport capabilities, is very promising for several applications. Here, we first devised a route to achieve the stable electrostatic binding of carbon dots to multi- or single-walled carbon nanotubes, as confirmed by several experimental observations. The photoluminescence of carbon dots is strongly quenched when they contact either semiconductive or conductive nanotubes, indicating a strong electronic coupling to both. Theoretical simulations predict a favorable energy level alignment within these complexes, suggesting a photoinduced electron transfer from dots to nanotubes, which is a process of high functional interest. Femtosecond transient absorption confirms indeed an ultrafast (<100 fs) electron transfer independent of nanotubes being conductive or semiconductive in nature, followed by a much slower back electron transfer (≈60 ps) from the nanotube to the carbon dots. The high degree of charge separation and delocalization achieved in these nanohybrids entails significant photocatalytic properties, as we demonstrate by the reduction of silver ions in solution. The results are very promising in view of using these "all-carbon" nanohybrids as efficient light harvesters for applications in artificial photocatalysis and photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sciortino
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica—Emilio Segrè, Universitá degli studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrante
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica—Emilio Segrè, Universitá degli studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Gil Gonçalves
- TEMA,
Mechanical Engineering Department, University
of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gerard Tobias
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra (Barcelona) 08193, Spain
| | - Radian Popescu
- Laboratory
for Electron Microscopy, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Engesserstrasse
7, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Dagmar Gerthsen
- Laboratory
for Electron Microscopy, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Engesserstrasse
7, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Nicolò Mauro
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo 90123, Italy
| | - Gaetano Giammona
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo 90123, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Buscarino
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica—Emilio Segrè, Universitá degli studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo 90128, Italy
- CHAB—ATeN
Center, Università degli studi di
Palermo, Viale delle
scienze, Edificio 18, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Franco M. Gelardi
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica—Emilio Segrè, Universitá degli studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Simonpietro Agnello
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica—Emilio Segrè, Universitá degli studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo 90128, Italy
- CHAB—ATeN
Center, Università degli studi di
Palermo, Viale delle
scienze, Edificio 18, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Marco Cannas
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica—Emilio Segrè, Universitá degli studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Dario Duca
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica—Emilio Segrè, Universitá degli studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Messina
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica—Emilio Segrè, Universitá degli studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo 90128, Italy
- CHAB—ATeN
Center, Università degli studi di
Palermo, Viale delle
scienze, Edificio 18, Palermo 90128, Italy
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8
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Macairan JR, de Medeiros TV, Gazzetto M, Yarur Villanueva F, Cannizzo A, Naccache R. Elucidating the mechanism of dual-fluorescence in carbon dots. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 606:67-76. [PMID: 34388574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.07.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Carbon dots have garnered significant attention owing to their versatile and highly tunable optical properties; however, the origins and the underlying mechanism remains a subject of debate especially for dual fluorescent systems. Here, we have prepared carbon dots from glutathione and formamide precursors via a one-pot solvothermal synthesis. Steady state and dynamic techniques indicate that these dual fluorescent dots possess distinct emissive carbon-core and a molecular states, which are responsible for the blue and red optical signatures, respectively. To further glean information into the fluorescence mechanism, electrochemical analysis was used to measure the bandgaps of the two fluorescent states, while femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy evidenced the two-state model based on the observed heterogeneity and bimodal spectral distribution. Our findings provide novel and fundamental insights on the optical properties of dual fluorescent dots, which can translate to more effective and targeted application development particularly in bioimaging, multiplexed sensing and photocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ray Macairan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Tayline V de Medeiros
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Michela Gazzetto
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francisco Yarur Villanueva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Andrea Cannizzo
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Rafik Naccache
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada.
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9
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Mauro N, Utzeri MA, Varvarà P, Cavallaro G. Functionalization of Metal and Carbon Nanoparticles with Potential in Cancer Theranostics. Molecules 2021; 26:3085. [PMID: 34064173 PMCID: PMC8196792 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer theranostics is a new concept of medical approach that attempts to combine in a unique nanoplatform diagnosis, monitoring and therapy so as to provide eradication of a solid tumor in a non-invasive fashion. There are many available solutions to tackle cancer using theranostic agents such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) under the guidance of imaging techniques (e.g., magnetic resonance-MRI, photoacoustic-PA or computed tomography-CT imaging). Additionally, there are several potential theranostic nanoplatforms able to combine diagnosis and therapy at once, such as gold nanoparticles (GNPs), graphene oxide (GO), superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and carbon nanodots (CDs). Currently, surface functionalization of these nanoplatforms is an extremely useful protocol for effectively tuning their structures, interface features and physicochemical properties. This approach is much more reliable and amenable to fine adjustment, reaching both physicochemical and regulatory requirements as a function of the specific field of application. Here, we summarize and compare the most promising metal- and carbon-based theranostic tools reported as potential candidates in precision cancer theranostics. We focused our review on the latest developments in surface functionalization strategies for these nanosystems, or hybrid nanocomposites consisting of their combination, and discuss their main characteristics and potential applications in precision cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Mauro
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (P.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Mara Andrea Utzeri
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (P.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Paola Varvarà
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (P.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (P.V.); (G.C.)
- Advanced Technologies Network Center, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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10
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Mauro N, Utzeri MA, Drago SE, Nicosia A, Costa S, Cavallaro G, Giammona G. Hyaluronic acid dressing of hydrophobic carbon nanodots: A self-assembling strategy of hybrid nanocomposites with theranostic potential. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 267:118213. [PMID: 34119168 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We propose a rational design of hyaluronic acid-dressed red-emissive carbon dots (CDs), with a well-structured hydrophobic core capable of locally delivering high amount doxorubicin (Doxo) (> 9% w/w) and heat (hyperthermia) in a light stimuli sensitive fashion. We combined in a unique micelle-like superstructure the peculiar optical properties of CDs (NIR photothermal conversion and red fluorescence) with the ability of hyaluronic acid (HA) shell of stabilizing nanomedicines in aqueous environment and recognizing cancer cells overexpressing CD44 receptors on their membranes, thus giving rise to smart theranostic agents useful in cancer imaging and NIR-triggered chemo-phototherapy of solid tumors. Hydrophobic CDs, named HCDs, were used as functional beads to self-assemble amphiphilic HA derivatives carrying polylactic acid side chains (HA-g-PLA), yielding to light-sensitive and biodegradable core-shell superstructures. We explored the biocompatibility and synergistic effects of chemo-phototherapy combination, together with fluorescence imaging, showing the huge potential of the proposed engineering strategy in improving efficacy. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Mauro
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mara Andrea Utzeri
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Emanuele Drago
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetano Giammona
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; Institute of Biophysics at Palermo, Italian National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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11
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Mauro N, Utzeri MA, Drago SE, Buscarino G, Cavallaro G, Giammona G. Carbon Nanodots as Functional Excipient to Develop Highly Stable and Smart PLGA Nanoparticles Useful in Cancer Theranostics. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1012. [PMID: 33113976 PMCID: PMC7690707 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Theranostic systems have attracted considerable attention for their multifunctional approach to cancer. Among these, carbon nanodots (CDs) emerged as luminescent nanomaterials due to their exceptional chemical properties, synthetic ease, biocompatibility, and for their photothermal and fluorescent properties useful in cancer photothermal therapy. However, premature renal excretion due to the small size of these particles limits their biomedical application. To overcome these limitations, here, hybrid poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-CDs) nanoparticles with suitable size distribution and stability have been developed. CDs were decisive in the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles, not only conferring them photothermal and fluorescent properties, needed in theranostics, but also having a strategic role in the stabilization of the system in aqueous media. In fact, CDs provide stable PLGA-based nanoparticles in aqueous media and sufficient cryoprotection in combination with 1% PVP. While PLGA nanoparticles required at least 5% of sucrose. Comparing nanosystems with different CDs content, it is also evident how these positively impinge on the loading and release of the drug, favoring high drug loading (~4.5%) and a sustained drug release over 48 h. The therapeutic and imaging potentials were finally confirmed through in vitro studies on a breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) using fluorescence imaging and the MTS cell viability assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Mauro
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (S.E.D.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Mara Andrea Utzeri
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (S.E.D.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Salvatore Emanuele Drago
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (S.E.D.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Gianpiero Buscarino
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (S.E.D.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Department of Physics and Chemistry (DiFC), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (S.E.D.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Institute of Biophysics at Palermo, Italian National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetano Giammona
- Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.U.); (S.E.D.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (G.G.)
- Institute of Biophysics at Palermo, Italian National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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12
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Mauro N, Fiorica C, Giuffrè M, Calà C, Maida CM, Giammona G. A self-sterilizing fluorescent nanocomposite as versatile material with broad-spectrum antibiofilm features. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 117:111308. [PMID: 32919669 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hematogenous spread of infections from colonized central intravenous catheters or central lines is a long-recognized problem with infection rates of 2 and 6.8 per 1000 days, respectively. Besides, removal of severe microbial colonization of implanted biomaterials is still a challenge and usually requires invasive operations. Hence, on demand self-sterilizing materials are required to avoid explant of colonized biomaterials and improve patient compliance. Moreover, photoluminescence is needed to make trackable biomaterials, which can be easily monitored upon implanting them in the body. Here, we propose the incorporation of near infrared (NIR) sensitive red-emitting carbon nanodot (CDs) into a polymeric matrix to give rise to innovative biomaterials with self-tracking and photothermal antimicrobial abilities. We obtain a material which can be processed to obtain medical devices using different techniques, among which, for instance, electrospinning. Herein, a proof-of-concept preparation of electrospun scaffolds is reported as it is highly desired in biomedical applications. Beside to confer imaging properties to the scaffold, that would allow an easy control over the in vivo positioning of implanted biomaterials as well as its degradation state and grade of integration with the surrounding native tissues, thanks to the capability to convert NIR light into local heat CDs can be exploited to exert broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect toward several pathogens. The rise in temperature can be easily modulated by controlling the irradiation time to achieve both an in vitro self-sterilization of the device and eventually in vivo destabilization of the microbial colonization. This innovative biomaterial could successfully inhibit biofilm formation and might be used as a powerful tool to treat antibiotic-resistant nature of biofilm-related infections in implanted medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Mauro
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32 90123 Palermo, Italy; Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Calogero Fiorica
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32 90123 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mario Giuffrè
- Department of Scienze per la Promozione della Salute e Materno Infantile - G. d'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Cinzia Calà
- Department of Scienze per la Promozione della Salute e Materno Infantile - G. d'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Carmelo Massimo Maida
- Department of Scienze per la Promozione della Salute e Materno Infantile - G. d'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Gaetano Giammona
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of "Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche" (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, 32 90123 Palermo, Italy
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13
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Nguyen HA, Srivastava I, Pan D, Gruebele M. Unraveling the Fluorescence Mechanism of Carbon Dots with Sub-Single-Particle Resolution. ACS NANO 2020; 14:6127-6137. [PMID: 32324372 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c01924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Unlike quantum dots, photophysical properties of carbon dots (CDs) are not strongly correlated with particle size. The origin of CD photoluminescence has been related to sp2 domain size and the abundance of oxidized surface defects. However, direct imaging of surface-accessible spatially localized oxidized defects is still lacking. In this work, solvothermal-synthesized CDs are fractionated into different colors by polarity-based chromatography. We then study the mechanism of CD fluorescence by directly imaging individual CDs with subparticle resolution by scanning tunneling microscopy. Density of states imaging of CDs reveals that the graphitic core has a large bandgap that is inconsistent with observed fluorescence wavelength, whereas localized defects have smaller electronic gaps for both red-emitting dots (rCDs) and blue-emitting dots (bCDs). For individual bCDs within our laser tuning range, we directly image optically active surface defects (ca. 1-3 nm in size) and their bandgaps, which agree with the emission wavelength of the ensemble from which the bCDs were taken. We find that the emissive defects are not necessarily the ones with the smallest gap, consistent with quantum yields less than unity (0.1-0.26). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and pH-dependent fluorescence titration show that oxygen-containing surface-accessible protonatable functional groups (e.g., phenolic -OH, -COOH) define the chemical identity of the defects. This observation explains why we detect neither long-lived optical excitation of the core nor a correlation between size and emission wavelength. Instead, control over the number of oxygen-containing defects defines the emission wavelength, with more oxidized defects at the surface producing redder emission wavelengths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Indrajit Srivastava
- Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, 509 West University Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Dipanjan Pan
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Martin Gruebele
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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14
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Longo AV, Sciortino A, Cannas M, Messina F. UV photobleaching of carbon nanodots investigated by in situ optical methods. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:13398-13407. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp00952k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In situ optical analysis of photobleaching unveils the real nature and evolution of emitters in a carbon-dot system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. V. Longo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segré”
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Via Archirafi 36
- Palermo
- Italy
| | - A. Sciortino
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segré”
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Via Archirafi 36
- Palermo
- Italy
| | - M. Cannas
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segré”
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Via Archirafi 36
- Palermo
- Italy
| | - F. Messina
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segré”
- Università degli Studi di Palermo
- Via Archirafi 36
- Palermo
- Italy
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15
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Kohl FR, Grieco C, Kohler B. Ultrafast spectral hole burning reveals the distinct chromophores in eumelanin and their common photoresponse. Chem Sci 2019; 11:1248-1259. [PMID: 34123249 PMCID: PMC8148383 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc04527a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Eumelanin, the brown-black pigment found in organisms from bacteria to humans, dissipates solar energy and prevents photochemical damage. While the structure of eumelanin is unclear, it is thought to consist of an extremely heterogeneous collection of chromophores that absorb from the UV to the infrared, additively producing its remarkably broad absorption spectrum. However, the chromophores responsible for absorption by eumelanin and their excited state decay pathways remain highly uncertain. Using femtosecond broadband transient absorption spectroscopy, we address the excited state behavior of chromophore subsets that make up a synthetic eumelanin, DOPA melanin, and probe the heterogeneity of its chromophores. Tuning the excitation light over more than an octave from the UV to the visible and probing with the broadest spectral window used to study any form of melanin to date enable the detection of spectral holes with a linewidth of 0.6 eV that track the excitation wavelength. Transient spectral hole burning is a manifestation of extreme chemical heterogeneity, yet exciting these diverse chromophores unexpectedly produces a common photoinduced absorption spectrum and similar kinetics. This common photoresponse is assigned to the ultrafast formation of immobile charge transfer excitons that decay locally and that are formed among graphene-like chromophores in less than 200 fs. Raman spectroscopy reveals that chromophore heterogeneity in DOPA melanin arises from different sized domains of sp2-hybridized carbon and nitrogen atoms. Furthermore, we identify for the first time striking parallels between the excited state dynamics of eumelanin and disordered carbon nanomaterials, suggesting that they share common structural attributes. Seeing the colors in black: ultrafast transient hole burning spectroscopy reveals the absorption properties of discrete chromophores and their interactions in the skin pigment eumelanin.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Forrest R Kohl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University 100 West 18th Avenue Columbus Ohio 43210 USA +1-614-688-2635
| | - Christopher Grieco
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University 100 West 18th Avenue Columbus Ohio 43210 USA +1-614-688-2635
| | - Bern Kohler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University 100 West 18th Avenue Columbus Ohio 43210 USA +1-614-688-2635
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16
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Abstract
Unexpectedly bright photoluminescence emission can be observed in materials incorporating inorganic carbon when their size is reduced from macro–micro to nano. At present, there is no consensus in its understanding, and many suggested explanations are not consistent with the broad range of experimental data. In this Review, I discuss the possible role of collective excitations (excitons) generated by resonance electronic interactions among the chromophore elements within these nanoparticles. The Förster-type resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism of energy migration within nanoparticles operates when the composing fluorophores are the localized electronic systems interacting at a distance. Meanwhile, the resonance interactions among closely located fluorophores may lead to delocalization of the excited states over many molecules resulting in Frenkel excitons. The H-aggregate-type quantum coherence originating from strong coupling among the transition dipoles of adjacent chromophores in a co-facial stacking arrangement and exciton transport to emissive traps are the basis of the presented model. It can explain most of the hitherto known experimental observations and must stimulate the progress towards their versatile applications.
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17
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Xiong Y, Zhang X, Richter AF, Li Y, Döring A, Kasák P, Popelka A, Schneider J, Kershaw SV, Yoo SJ, Kim JG, Zhang W, Zheng W, Ushakova EV, Feldmann J, Rogach AL. Chemically Synthesized Carbon Nanorods with Dual Polarized Emission. ACS NANO 2019; 13:12024-12031. [PMID: 31589022 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We realized the synthesis of carbon nanorods-monodisperse colloidal particles with a length of 50 nm and a width of 20 nm-which can be considered an addition to the family of light-emitting carbon-based nanostructures. Their anisotropic shape is determined by the use of the surfactant aminopropylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, and their optical properties originate from domains of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons incorporated within an inorganic framework. The nanorods show dual polarized emission with a quantum yield of 15-20% and emission anisotropy of ∼0.3, which changes from blue (460 nm) to yellow (565 nm) depending on the excitation wavelength. These carbon nanorods expand the range of light-emitting carbon nanomaterials available for optoelectronic and biolabeling applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xiong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center for Functional Photonics (CFP) , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Jilin University , Changchun 130012 , P.R. China
| | - Alexander F Richter
- Chair for Photonics and Optoelectronics, Nano-Institute Munich, Department of Physics , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) , Königinstr. 10 , 80539 Munich , Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM) and Center for NanoScience (CeNS) , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) , Schellingstr. 4 , 80799 Munich , Germany
| | - Yanxiu Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center for Functional Photonics (CFP) , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Aaron Döring
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center for Functional Photonics (CFP) , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Peter Kasák
- Center for Advanced Materials , Qatar University , PO Box 2713, Doha Qatar
| | - Anton Popelka
- Center for Advanced Materials , Qatar University , PO Box 2713, Doha Qatar
| | - Julian Schneider
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center for Functional Photonics (CFP) , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Stephen V Kershaw
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center for Functional Photonics (CFP) , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong S.A.R
| | - Seung Jo Yoo
- Electron Microscopy Research Center , Korea Basic Science Institute , Daejeon 34133 , South Korea
| | - Jin-Gyu Kim
- Electron Microscopy Research Center , Korea Basic Science Institute , Daejeon 34133 , South Korea
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Jilin University , Changchun 130012 , P.R. China
| | - Weitao Zheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Jilin University , Changchun 130012 , P.R. China
| | - Elena V Ushakova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center for Functional Photonics (CFP) , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong S.A.R
- Center of Information Optical Technologies , ITMO University , 49 Kronverkskii pr. , Saint Petersburg 197101 , Russia
| | - Jochen Feldmann
- Chair for Photonics and Optoelectronics, Nano-Institute Munich, Department of Physics , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) , Königinstr. 10 , 80539 Munich , Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM) and Center for NanoScience (CeNS) , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) , Schellingstr. 4 , 80799 Munich , Germany
| | - Andrey L Rogach
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center for Functional Photonics (CFP) , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong S.A.R
- Center of Information Optical Technologies , ITMO University , 49 Kronverkskii pr. , Saint Petersburg 197101 , Russia
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18
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Liu H, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Zheng F, Huang M, Sun J, Sun X, Li H, Wang J, Sun B. A fluorescent nanoprobe for 4-ethylguaiacol based on the use of a molecularly imprinted polymer doped with a covalent organic framework grafted onto carbon nanodots. Mikrochim Acta 2019; 186:182. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-019-3306-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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19
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Sciortino A, Gazzetto M, Soriano ML, Cannas M, Cárdenas S, Cannizzo A, Messina F. Ultrafast spectroscopic investigation on fluorescent carbon nanodots: the role of passivation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:16459-16467. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp03063h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Femtosecond spectroscopy allows to clarify the role of passivation on the fluorescence of carbon nanodots and reveals the lack of interplay between core and surface electronic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sciortino
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segrè
- Universitá degli Studi di Palermo
- 90123 Palermo
- Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia
| | - Michela Gazzetto
- Institute of Applied Physics
- University of Bern
- CH-3012 Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Maria Laura Soriano
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry
- 14071 Córdoba
- Spain
- Regional Institute for Applied Chemistry Research (IRICA)
| | - Marco Cannas
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segrè
- Universitá degli Studi di Palermo
- 90123 Palermo
- Italy
| | - Soledad Cárdenas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry
- 14071 Córdoba
- Spain
| | - Andrea Cannizzo
- Institute of Applied Physics
- University of Bern
- CH-3012 Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Messina
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segrè
- Universitá degli Studi di Palermo
- 90123 Palermo
- Italy
- CHAB – ATeN Center
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20
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Carbon Nanodots: A Review—From the Current Understanding of the Fundamental Photophysics to the Full Control of the Optical Response. C — JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/c4040067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are an emerging family of nanosystems displaying a range of fascinating properties. Broadly speaking, they can be described as small, surface-functionalized carbonaceous nanoparticles characterized by an intense and tunable fluorescence, a marked sensitivity to the environment and a range of interesting photochemical properties. CDs are currently the subject of very intense research, motivated by their possible applications in many fields, including bioimaging, solar energy harvesting, nanosensing, light-emitting devices and photocatalyis. This review covers the latest advancements in the field of CDs, with a focus on the fundamental understanding of their key photophysical behaviour, which is still very debated. The photoluminescence mechanism, the origin of their peculiar fluorescence tunability, and their photo-chemical interactions with coupled systems are discussed in light of the latest developments in the field, such as the most recent results obtained by femtosecond time-resolved experiments, which have led to important steps forward in the fundamental understanding of CDs. The optical response of CDs appears to stem from a very complex interplay between the electronic states related to the core structure and those introduced by surface functionalization. In addition, the structure of CD energy levels and the electronic dynamics triggered by photo-excitation finely depend on the microscopic structure of any specific sub-type of CD. On the other hand, this remarkable variability makes CDs extremely versatile, a key benefit in view of their very wide range of applications.
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