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Mugundhan SL, Mohan M. Nanoscale strides: exploring innovative therapies for breast cancer treatment. RSC Adv 2024; 14:14017-14040. [PMID: 38686289 PMCID: PMC11056947 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02639j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a predominant malignancy in women that constitutes approximately 30% of all cancer cases and has a mortality rate of 14% in recent years. The prevailing therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, each with its own limitations and challenges. Despite oral or intravenous administration, there are numerous barriers to accessing anti-BC agents before they reach the tumor site, including physical, physiological, and biophysical barriers. The complexity of BC pathogenesis, attributed to a combination of endogenous, chronic, intrinsic, extrinsic and genetic factors, further complicates its management. Due to the limitations of existing cancer treatment approaches, there is a need to explore novel, efficacious solutions. Nanodrug delivery has emerged as a promising avenue in cancer chemotherapy, aiming to enhance drug bioavailability while mitigating adverse effects. In contrast to conventional chemotherapy, cancer nanotechnology leverages improved permeability to achieve comprehensive disruption of cancer cells. This approach also presented superior pharmacokinetic profiles. The application of nanotechnology in cancer therapeutics includes nanotechnological tools, but a comprehensive review cannot cover all facets. Thus, this review concentrates specifically on BC treatment. The focus lies in the successful implementation of systematic nanotherapeutic strategies, demonstrating their superiority over conventional methods in delivering anti-BC agents. Nanotechnology-driven drug delivery holds immense potential in treating BC. By surmounting multiple barriers and capitalizing on improved permeability, nanodrug delivery has demonstrated enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional therapies. This review highlights the significance of systematic nanotherapy approaches, emphasizing the evolving landscape of BC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi Laakshmi Mugundhan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology SRM Nagar Kattankulathur 603203 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Mothilal Mohan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology SRM Nagar Kattankulathur 603203 Tamil Nadu India
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2
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Bartkowski M, Zhou Y, Nabil Amin Mustafa M, Eustace AJ, Giordani S. CARBON DOTS: Bioimaging and Anticancer Drug Delivery. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303982. [PMID: 38205882 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303982] [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] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer, responsible for approximately 10 million lives annually, urgently requires innovative treatments, as well as solutions to mitigate the limitations of traditional chemotherapy, such as long-term adverse side effects and multidrug resistance. This review focuses on Carbon Dots (CDs), an emergent class of nanoparticles (NPs) with remarkable physicochemical and biological properties, and their burgeoning applications in bioimaging and as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. The review initiates with an overview of NPs as nanocarriers, followed by an in-depth look into the biological barriers that could affect their distribution, from barriers to administration, to intracellular trafficking. It further explores CDs' synthesis, including both bottom-up and top-down approaches, and their notable biocompatibility, supported by a selection of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo studies. Special attention is given to CDs' role in bioimaging, highlighting their optical properties. The discussion extends to their emerging significance as drug carriers, particularly in the delivery of doxorubicin and other anticancer agents, underscoring recent advancements and challenges in this field. Finally, we showcase examples of other promising bioapplications of CDs, emergent owing to the NPs flexible design. As research on CDs evolves, we envisage key challenges, as well as the potential of CD-based systems in bioimaging and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Bartkowski
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yingru Zhou
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Silvia Giordani
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Pajavand H, Mobarez AM, Barati A, Nikkhah M, Delnavazi MR, Abiri R, Alvandi AH, Karimiravesh R. Evaluation of combined carbon dots and ciprofloxacin on the expression level of pslA, pelA, and ppyR genes and biofilm production in ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from burn wound infection in Iran. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2023; 35:289-296. [PMID: 37844801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.10.005] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation are increasingly significant public health concerns. This study aimed to examine the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of carbon dots (C-dots) alone and in combination with antibiotics against biofilm-forming isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS The antibacterial property of C-dots was investigated by broth microdilution method against ATCC PAO1 and P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. The antibacterial effect of the C-dots and ciprofloxacin combination was investigated using the checkerboard method. The antibiofilm effect of the C-dots alone and its combination with ciprofloxacin was evaluated using the microtiter plate method. Subsequently, the toxicity of each agent was tested on L929 fibroblast cells. In the end, the effects of C-dots on the expression levels of pslA, pelA, and ppyR genes were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS The combination of C-dots and ciprofloxacin exhibited a synergistic effect. Additionally, this compound substantially decreased bacterial growth (P < 0.0001) and inhibited biofilm formation at MIC (96 µg/mL) and sub-MIC (48 µg/mL) concentrations (P < 0.0053, P < 0.01). After being exposed to C-dots at a concentration of 1mg/mL for 24 hours, the survival rate of L929 cells was 87.3%. The expression of genes pslA, pelA, and ppyR, associated with biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa, was significantly reduced upon exposure to C-dots (P < 0.0023). CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate a promising new treatment method for infections. Furthermore, reducing the dosage of antibiotics can lead to an improvement in the toxic effects caused by dose-dependent antibiotics and antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Pajavand
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Mohabti Mobarez
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Barati
- Department of Chemistry, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Maryam Nikkhah
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Raza Delnavazi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran
| | - Ramin Abiri
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amir Houshang Alvandi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Rahleh Karimiravesh
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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4
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da Silva LE, Calado OLDL, de Oliveira Silva SF, da Silva KRM, Henrique Almeida J, de Oliveira Silva M, Viana RDS, de Souza Ferro JN, de Almeida Xavier J, Barbosa CDAES. Lemon-derived carbon dots as antioxidant and light emitter in fluorescent films applied to nanothermometry. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 651:678-685. [PMID: 37562309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.07.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The design of luminescent nanomaterials for the development of nanothermometers with high sensitivity and free of potentially toxic metals has developed in several fields, such as optoelectronics, sensors, and bioimaging. In addition, luminescent nanothermometers have advantages related to non-invasive measurement, with their wide detection range and high spatial resolution at the nano/microscale. Our study is the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate a detailed study of a fluorescent film (Film-L) thermal sensor based on carbon dots derived from lemon bagasse extract (CD-L). The CD-L properties were explored as an antioxidant agent; their cytotoxicity was evaluated by using a human non-tumoral skin fibroblast (HFF-1) cell line from an MTT assay. The CD-L were characterized by HRTEM, DLS, FTIR, UV-VIS, and fluorescence spectroscopy. These confirmed their particle size distribution below 10 nm, graphitic structure in the core and surface organic groups, and strong blue emission. The CD-L showed cytocompatibility behavior and scavenging potential reactive species of biological importance: O2•- and HOCl, with IC50 of 276.8 ± 4.0 and 21.6 ± 0.7, respectively. The Film-L emission intensities (I425 nm) are temperature-dependent in the 298 to 333 K range. The Film-L luminescent thermometer shows a maximum relative thermal sensitivity of 2.69 % K-1 at 333 K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia E da Silva
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Orlando Lucas de L Calado
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Steffano Felix de Oliveira Silva
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Kleyton Ritomar Monteiro da Silva
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil
| | - James Henrique Almeida
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Messias de Oliveira Silva
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Silva Viana
- Technology Center, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Jamylle Nunes de Souza Ferro
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Jadriane de Almeida Xavier
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Cintya D A E S Barbosa
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Tabuleiro dos Martins, Maceió, Alagoas 57072-970, Brazil.
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Fakhry MM, Mattar AA, Alsulaimany M, Al-Olayan EM, Al-Rashood ST, Abdel-Aziz HA. New Thiazolyl-Pyrazoline Derivatives as Potential Dual EGFR/HER2 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, Anticancer Activity Evaluation and In Silico Study. Molecules 2023; 28:7455. [PMID: 37959874 PMCID: PMC10647861 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A new series of thiazolyl-pyrazoline derivatives (4a-d, 5a-d 6a, b, 7a-d, 8a, b, and 10a, b) have been designed and synthesized through the combination of thiazole and pyrazoline moieties, starting from the key building blocks pyrazoline carbothioamides (1a-b). These eighteen derivatives have been designed as anticipated EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitors. The efficacy of the developed compounds in inhibiting cell proliferation was assessed using the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line. Among the new synthesized thiazolyl-pyrazolines, compounds 6a, 6b, 10a, and 10b displayed potent anticancer activity toward MCF-7 with IC50 = 4.08, 5.64, 3.37, and 3.54 µM, respectively, when compared with lapatinib (IC50 = 5.88 µM). In addition, enzymatic assays were also run for the most cytotoxic compounds (6a and 6b) toward EGFR and HER2 to demonstrate their dual inhibitory activity. They revealed promising inhibition potency against EGFR with IC50 = 0.024, and 0.005 µM, respectively, whereas their IC50 = 0.047 and 0.022 µM toward HER2, respectively, compared with lapatinib (IC50 = 0.007 and 0.018 µM). Both compounds 6a and 10a induced apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle of the MCF-7 cell line at the G1 and G1/S phases, respectively. Molecular modeling studies for the promising candidates 6a and 10a showed that they formed the essential binding with the crucial amino acids for EGFR and HER2 inhibition, supporting the in vitro assay results. Furthermore, ADMET study predictions were carried out for the compounds in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam M. Fakhry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr 11829, Egypt;
| | - Amr A. Mattar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr 11829, Egypt;
| | - Marwa Alsulaimany
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medina 42353, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ebtesam M. Al-Olayan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sara T. Al-Rashood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hatem A. Abdel-Aziz
- Applied Organic Chemistry Department, National Research Center, Cairo 12622, Egypt
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6
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Gambacorta N, Gasperi V, Guzzo T, Di Leva FS, Ciriaco F, Sánchez C, Tullio V, Rozzi D, Marinelli L, Topai A, Nicolotti O, Maccarrone M. Exploring the 1,3-benzoxazine chemotype for cannabinoid receptor 2 as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115647. [PMID: 37478557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of selective agonists of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is strongly pursued to successfully tuning endocannabinoid signaling for therapeutic purposes. However, the design of selective CB2 agonists is still challenging because of the high homology with the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and for the yet unclear molecular basis of the agonist/antagonist switch. Here, the 1,3-benzoxazine scaffold is presented as a versatile chemotype for the design of CB2 agonists from which 25 derivatives were synthesized. Among these, compound 7b5 (CB2 EC50 = 110 nM, CB1 EC50 > 10 μM) demonstrated to impair proliferation of triple negative breast cancer BT549 cells and to attenuate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a CB2-dependent manner. Furthermore, 7b5 abrogated the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, a key pro-inflammatory and oncogenic enzyme. Finally, molecular dynamics studies suggested a new rationale for the in vitro measured selectivity and for the observed agonist behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gambacorta
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Valeria Gasperi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tatiana Guzzo
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Ciriaco
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Cristina Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Complutense University, C/ José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Tullio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Rozzi
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Topai
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy; European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Bastos FR, Soares da Costa D, Reis RL, Alves NM, Pashkuleva I, Costa RR. Layer-by-layer coated calcium carbonate nanoparticles for targeting breast cancer cells. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 153:213563. [PMID: 37487456 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213563] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is resistant to conventional treatments due to the specific tumour microenvironment, the associated acidic pH and the overexpression of receptors that enhance cells tumorigenicity. Herein, we optimized the synthesis of acidic resorbable calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles and the encapsulation of a low molecular weight model molecule (Rhodamine). The addition of ethylene glycol during the synthetic process resulted in a particle size decrease: we obtained homogeneous CaCO3 particles with an average size of 564 nm. Their negative charge enabled the assembly of layer-by-layer (LbL) coatings with surface-exposed hyaluronic acid (HA), a ligand of tumour-associated receptor CD44. The coating decreased Rhodamine release by two-fold compared to uncoated nanoparticles. We demonstrated the effect of nanoparticles on two breast cancer cell lines with different aggressiveness - SK-BR-3 and the more aggressive MDA-MB-231 - and compared them with the normal breast cell line MCF10A. CaCO3 nanoparticles (coated and uncoated) significantly decreased the metabolic activity of the breast cancer cells. The interactions between LbL-coated nanoparticles and cells depended on HA expression on the cell surface: more particles were observed on the surface of MDA-MB-231 cells, which had the thickest endogenous HA coating. We concluded that CaCO3 nanoparticles are potential candidates to carry low molecular weight chemotherapeutics and deliver them to aggressive breast cancer sites with an HA-abundant pericellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa R Bastos
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Diana Soares da Costa
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Natália M Alves
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Iva Pashkuleva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Rui R Costa
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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8
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Crista D, Algarra M, Martínez de Yuso MV, Esteves da Silva JCG, Pinto da Silva L. Investigation of the role of pH and the stoichiometry of the N-dopant in the luminescence, composition and synthesis yield of carbon dots. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:1131-1143. [PMID: 36637160 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02318k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based nanoparticles with very attractive luminescence features, which simplicity and flexibility of their fabrication can lead to an endless number of CDs with distinct properties and applications. High fluorescence quantum yields (QYFL) are generally a necessary feature for various applications of CDs. One commonly employed strategy to improve the fluorescence properties of CDs is heteroatom-doping using precursors containing desired heteroatoms (with focus on N-doping). In this work, we report the synthesis and systematic investigation of an array of N-doped CDs, obtained from the dry heating of solid mixtures of glucose and urea in different molar ratios with two main objectives: to study the role of stoichiometry in the optical properties and composition of CDs and to investigate the formation of possible alkaline-responsive nanoparticles and the potential of this procedure for obtaining CDs with higher synthesis yields. We have characterized the optical properties of this diverse array of glucose and urea-based CDs using both UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. In addition, we have also examined the CDs by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-Ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy, as well as by assessing the thermal stability of the nanoparticles. We have found that this fabrication process generates two types of CDs, one readily soluble in water and other only soluble at basic pH. The latter was characterized by higher synthesis yields, and lower QYFL and thermal stability, when compared with those of the former. Furthermore, the stoichiometry of the N-dopant does not appear to be correlated with the QYFL of the obtained CDs. This study provides novel information that should be useful for the future rational development of CDs with higher QYFL and synthesis yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Crista
- Chemistry Research Unit (CIQUP), Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Department of Geosciences, Environment and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Algarra
- INAMAT2-Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics, Department of Science, Public University of Navarra, Campus of Arrosadía, 31006 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Maria Valle Martínez de Yuso
- X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Lab. Central Service to Support Research Building (SCAI), University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Joaquim C G Esteves da Silva
- Chemistry Research Unit (CIQUP), Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Department of Geosciences, Environment and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. .,LACOMEPHI, GreenUPorto, Department of Geosciences, Environment and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Pinto da Silva
- Chemistry Research Unit (CIQUP), Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Department of Geosciences, Environment and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. .,LACOMEPHI, GreenUPorto, Department of Geosciences, Environment and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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9
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Applications of Fluorescent Carbon Dots as Photocatalysts: A Review. Catalysts 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted considerable interest from the scientific community due to their exceptional properties, such as high photoluminescence, broadband absorption, low toxicity, water solubility and (photo)chemical stability. As a result, they have been applied in several fields, such as sensing, bioimaging, artificial lighting and catalysis. In particular, CDs may act as sole photocatalysts or as part of photocatalytic nanocomposites. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review on the use of CDs as sole photocatalysts in the areas of hydrogen production via water splitting, photodegradation of organic pollutants and photoreduction and metal removal from wastewaters. Furthermore, key limitations preventing a wider use of CDs as photocatalysts are pointed out. It is our hope that this review will serve as a basis on which researchers may find useful information to develop sustainable methodologies for the synthesis and use of photocatalytic CDs.
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Gravina C, Fiorentino M, Formato M, Pecoraro MT, Piccolella S, Stinca A, Pacifico S, Esposito A. LC-HR/MS Analysis of Lipophilic Extracts from Calendula arvensis (Vaill.) L. Organs: An Unexplored Source in Cosmeceuticals. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248905. [PMID: 36558038 PMCID: PMC9783063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As part of a project aimed at promoting the use of Calendula arvensis (Vaill.) L. (field marigold, Asteraceae) phytocomplexes in cosmeceutical formulations, the chemical composition in apolar specialized metabolites is herein elucidated. Furthermore, the screening of the cytotoxicity of the apolar extracts was evaluated in order to underline their safety as functional ingredients for cosmetics. After dissection of Calendula organs (florets, fruits, leaves, bracts, stems, and roots), ultrasound-assisted maceration in n-hexane as an extracting solvent allowed us to obtain oil-like mixtures, whose chemical composition has been highlighted through a UHPLC-ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS approach. Twenty-nine metabolites were tentatively identified; different compounds, among which the well-known poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and oxylipins and phosphatides were detected for the first time in Calendula genus. The screening of the dose-response cytotoxicity of the apolar extracts of C. arvensis highlighted the concentration of 10 μg/mL as the most suitable for the formulation of cosmeceutical preparations. Sera enriched with leaf and fruit apolar extracts turned out to have the best activity, suggesting it can be used as a new source in skin care thanks to their higher content in fatty acids.
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Recent Development of Nano-Carbon Material in Pharmaceutical Application: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217578. [PMID: 36364403 PMCID: PMC9654677 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon nanomaterials have attracted researchers in pharmaceutical applications due to their outstanding properties and flexible dimensional structures. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have electrical properties, high thermal surface area, and high cellular internalization, making them suitable for drug and gene delivery, antioxidants, bioimaging, biosensing, and tissue engineering applications. There are various types of carbon nanomaterials including graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nanodiamond, quantum dots and many more that have interesting applications in the future. The functionalization of the carbon nanomaterial surface could modify its chemical and physical properties, as well as improve drug loading capacity, biocompatibility, suppress immune response and have the ability to direct drug delivery to the targeted site. Carbon nanomaterials could also be fabricated into composites with proteins and drugs to reduce toxicity and increase effectiveness in the pharmaceutical field. Thus, carbon nanomaterials are very effective for applications in pharmaceutical or biomedical systems. This review will demonstrate the extraordinary properties of nanocarbon materials that can be used in pharmaceutical applications.
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12
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Le N, Zhang M, Kim K. Quantum Dots and Their Interaction with Biological Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810763. [PMID: 36142693 PMCID: PMC9501347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots are nanocrystals with bright and tunable fluorescence. Due to their unique property, quantum dots are sought after for their potential in several applications in biomedical sciences as well as industrial use. However, concerns regarding QDs’ toxicity toward the environment and other biological systems have been rising rapidly in the past decade. In this mini-review, we summarize the most up-to-date details regarding quantum dots’ impacts, as well as QDs’ interaction with mammalian organisms, fungal organisms, and plants at the cellular, tissue, and organismal level. We also provide details about QDs’ cellular uptake and trafficking, and QDs’ general interactions with biological structures. In this mini-review, we aim to provide a better understanding of our current standing in the research of quantum dots, point out some knowledge gaps in the field, and provide hints for potential future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhi Le
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S National, Springfield, MO 65897, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Kyoungtae Kim
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S National, Springfield, MO 65897, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-417-836-5440; Fax: +1-417-836-5126
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Sendão RMS, Esteves da Silva JCG, Pinto da Silva L. Photocatalytic removal of pharmaceutical water pollutants by TiO 2 - Carbon dots nanocomposites: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 301:134731. [PMID: 35489458 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are becoming increasingly more relevant water contaminants, with photocatalysts (such as TiO2) being a promising approach to remove these compounds from water. However, TiO2 has poor sunlight-harvesting capacity, low photonic efficiency, and poor adsorption towards organic pollutants. One of the emerging strategies to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 is by conjugating it with fluorescent carbon dots. Herein, we performed a critical review of the development of TiO2 - carbon dots nanocomposites for the photocatalytic removal of pharmaceuticals. We found that carbon dots can improve the photocatalytic efficiency of the resulting nanocomposites, mostly due to increasing the adsorption of organic pollutants and enhancing the absorption in the visible range. However, while this approach shows significant promise, we also identified and discussed several aspects that need to be addressed before this strategy could be more widely used. We hope that this review can guide future studies aiming to the development of enhanced photocatalytic TiO2 - carbon dots nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M S Sendão
- Chemistry Research Unit (CIQUP), Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquim C G Esteves da Silva
- Chemistry Research Unit (CIQUP), Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal; LACOMEPHI, GreenUPorto, Department of Geosciences, Environment and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Pinto da Silva
- Chemistry Research Unit (CIQUP), Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal; LACOMEPHI, GreenUPorto, Department of Geosciences, Environment and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
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14
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Life Cycle Assessment-Based Comparative Study between High-Yield and "Standard" Bottom-Up Procedures for the Fabrication of Carbon Dots. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15103446. [PMID: 35629474 PMCID: PMC9145381 DOI: 10.3390/ma15103446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based nanomaterials with remarkable properties that can be produced from a wide variety of synthesis routes. Given that “standard” bottom-up procedures are typically associated with low synthesis yields, different authors have been trying to devise alternative high-yield fabrication strategies. However, there is a doubt if sustainability-wise, the latter should be really preferred to the former. Herein, we employed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to compare and understand the environmental impacts of high-yield and “standard” bottom-up strategies, by applying different life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. These routes were: (1) production of hydrochar, via the hydrothermal treatment of carbon precursors, and its alkaline peroxide treatment into high-yield CDs; (2) microwave treatment of carbon precursors doped with ethylenediamine; (3) and (6) thermal treatment of carbon precursor and urea; (4) hydrothermal treatment of carbon precursor and urea; (5) microwave treatment of carbon precursor and urea. For this LCA, four LCIA methods were used: ReCiPe, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, AWARE, and USEtox. Results identified CD-5 as the most sustainable synthesis in ReCiPe, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and USEtox. On the other hand, in AWARE, the most sustainable synthesis was CD-1. It was possible to conclude that, in general, high-yield synthesis (CD-1) was not more sustainable than “standard” bottom-up synthesis, such as CD-5 and CD-6 (also with relatively high-yield). More importantly, high-yield synthesis (CD-1) did not generate much lower environmental impacts than “standard” approaches with low yields, which indicates that higher yields come with relevant environmental costs.
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15
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Wu J, Chen G, Jia Y, Ji C, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Leblanc RM, Peng Z. Carbon dot composites for bioapplications: a review. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:843-869. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02446a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent advancements in the synthesis of carbon dot composites and their applications in biomedical fields (bioimaging, drug delivery and biosensing) have been carefully summarized. The current challenges and future trends of CD composites in this field have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wu
- School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Gonglin Chen
- School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinnong Jia
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyu Ji
- School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Roger M. Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Zhili Peng
- School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
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16
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Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Structure-Activity Relationships of 4-Aminopiperidines as Novel Antifungal Agents Targeting Ergosterol Biosynthesis. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237208. [PMID: 34885791 PMCID: PMC8658910 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aliphatic heterocycles piperidine and morpholine are core structures of well-known antifungals such as fenpropidin and fenpropimorph, commonly used as agrofungicides, and the related morpholine amorolfine is approved for the treatment of dermal mycoses in humans. Inspired by these lead structures, we describe here the synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-aminopiperidines as a novel chemotype of antifungals with remarkable antifungal activity. A library of more than 30 4-aminopiperidines was synthesized, starting from N-substituted 4-piperidone derivatives by reductive amination with appropriate amines using sodium triacetoxyborohydride. Antifungal activity was determined on the model strain Yarrowia lipolytica, and some compounds showed interesting growth-inhibiting activity. These compounds were tested on 20 clinically relevant fungal isolates (Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., Mucormycetes) by standardized microbroth dilution assays. Two of the six compounds, 1-benzyl-N-dodecylpiperidin-4-amine and N-dodecyl-1-phenethylpiperidin-4-amine, were identified as promising candidates for further development based on their in vitro antifungal activity against Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Antifungal activity was determined for 18 Aspergillus spp. and 19 Candida spp., and their impact on ergosterol and cholesterol biosynthesis was determined. Toxicity was determined on HL-60, HUVEC, and MCF10A cells, and in the alternative in vivo model Galleria mellonella. Analysis of sterol patterns after incubation gave valuable insights into the putative molecular mechanism of action, indicating inhibition of the enzymes sterol C14-reductase and sterol C8-isomerase in fungal ergosterol biosynthesis.
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