Naproxen release from carbon dot coated magnetite nanohybrid as versatile theranostics for HeLa cancer cells

Strategic Assessment of Boron-Enriched Carbon Dots/Naproxen: Diagnostic, Toxicity, and In Vivo Therapeutic Evaluation

Cancer is a significant global public health concern, ranking as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. This study thoroughly explores boron-doped carbon dots (B-CDs) through a simple/rapid microwave-assisted approach and their versatile applications in cancer therapy. The result was highly uniform particles with an average diameter of approximately 4 nm. B-CDs exhibited notable properties, including strong fluorescence with a quantum yield of 33%. Colloid stability tests revealed their robustness within a pH range of 6-12, NaCl concentrations up to 0.5 M, and temperatures ranging from 30 to 60 °C. The study also delved into the kinetics of naproxen release from B-CDs as a drug delivery system. The loading efficacy of naproxen exceeded 55.56%. Under varying pH conditions, the release of naproxen from B-CDs conformed to the Peppas-Sahlin model, demonstrating the potential of Naproxen-loaded CDs for cancer drug delivery. In vitro cytotoxicity assessments, conducted using the CCK-8 Assay and flow cytometry, consistently indicated low toxicity with average cell viability exceeding 80%. An in vivo toxicity test on female mice administered 20 mg/kg of B-CDs for 31 days revealed reversible histological changes in the liver and kidneys, while the pancreas remained unaffected. Importantly, B-CDs did not impact the mice's physical behavior, body weight, or survival. In vivo experiments targeting benzo(a)pyrene-induced fibrosarcoma demonstrated the efficacy of B-CDs as naproxen carriers in the treatment of cancer. This in vivo study provides a thorough comprehension of B-CDs synthesis and toxicity and their potential applications in cancer therapy and drug delivery systems.

Fabrication of a lamellar alginate-based aerogel decorated with carbon quantum dots for controlled fluorescence behaviors

This study aimed to construct an alginate aerogel doped with carbon quantum dots and investigate the fluorescence properties of the composites. The carbon quantum dots with the highest fluorescence intensity were obtained using a methanol-water ratio of 1 : 1, a reaction time of 90 minutes, and a reaction temperature of 160 °C. The fluorescent carbon quantum dot sodium alginate-based aerogel (FCSA) obtained by compounding alginate and carbon quantum dots exhibited excellent fluorescence properties when the concentration of nano-carbon quantum dot solution was 10.0 vol%. By incorporating nano-carbon quantum dots, the fluorescence properties of the lamellar alginate aerogel can be easily and efficiently adjusted. The alginate aerogel decorated with nano-carbon quantum dots exhibits promising potential in biomedical applications due to its biodegradable, biocompatible, and sustainable properties.

Synthetic routes to theranostic applications of carbon-based quantum dots

Background and Purpose

Modern technologies are making advanced paths to address emerging issues. The development of carbon dots (CDs) technology at a tiny level has been researched to have made impeccable strides in advancing the modern scientific field, especially in nanomedicine.

Experimental Approach

Researchers have gained much attention on CDs of their unique properties in the synthesis, easy surface modifications, excellent optical properties, low toxicity, and water solubility. Doping carbon dots with other elements makes them more convenient for their use in the medical sector.

Key Results

The manuscript provides a detailed discussion of the two main methods, including the hydrothermal pathway. CDs are synthesized bottom-up by building up molecules at the atomic scale and top-down by transforming large carbon particles into nanoscale dimensions.

Conclusion

The present article discussed the role, importance, and recent advancements in the synthesis of CDs, by using various approaches giving importance to the hydrothermal process. Recent investigations, their mechanism, and theranostic applications have also been reported.