1
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Selva Sharma A, Lee NY. Comprehensive review on fluorescent carbon dots and their applications in nucleic acid detection, nucleolus targeted imaging and gene delivery. Analyst 2024; 149:4095-4115. [PMID: 39007289 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00630e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs), including carbon quantum dots, graphene quantum dots, carbon nanodots, and polymer dots, have gained significant attention due to their unique structural and fluorescence characteristics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the classification, structural characteristics, and fluorescence properties of CDs, followed by an exploration of various fluorescence sensing mechanisms and their applications in gene detection, nucleolus imaging, and gene delivery. Furthermore, the functionalization of CDs with diverse surface ligand molecules, including dye molecules, nucleic acid probes, and metal derivatives, for sensitive nucleic acid detection is systematically examined. Fluorescence imaging of the cell nucleolus plays a vital role in examining intracellular processes and the dynamics of subcellular structures. By analyzing the mechanism of fluorescence and structure-function relationships inherent in CDs, the nucleolus targeting abilities of CDs in various cell lines have been discussed. Additionally, challenges such as the insufficient organelle specificity of CDs and the inconsistent mechanisms underlying nucleolus targeting have also been highlighted. The unique physical and chemical properties of CDs, particularly their strong affinity toward deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), have spurred interest in gene delivery applications. The use of nuclear-targeting peptides, polymers, and ligands in conjunction with CDs for improved gene delivery applications have been systematically reviewed. Through a comprehensive analysis, the review aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential and challenges associated with CDs in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Selva Sharma
- Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, South Korea
| | - Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, South Korea.
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2
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Borghi F, Azevedo C, Johnson E, Burden JJ, Saiardi A. A mammalian model reveals inorganic polyphosphate channeling into the nucleolus and induction of a hyper-condensate state. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100814. [PMID: 38981472 PMCID: PMC11294840 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a ubiquitous polymer that controls fundamental processes. To overcome the absence of a genetically tractable mammalian model, we developed an inducible mammalian cell line expressing Escherichia coli polyphosphate kinase 1 (EcPPK1). Inducing EcPPK1 expression prompted polyP synthesis, enabling validation of polyP analytical methods. Virtually all newly synthesized polyP accumulates within the nucleus, mainly in the nucleolus. The channeled polyP within the nucleolus results in the redistribution of its markers, leading to altered rRNA processing. Ultrastructural analysis reveals electron-dense polyP structures associated with a hyper-condensed nucleolus resulting from an exacerbation of the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) phenomena controlling this membraneless organelle. The selective accumulation of polyP in the nucleoli could be interpreted as an amplification of polyP channeling to where its physiological function takes place. Indeed, quantitative analysis of several mammalian cell lines confirms that endogenous polyP accumulates within the nucleolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipy Borghi
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Cristina Azevedo
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Errin Johnson
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Jemima J Burden
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Adolfo Saiardi
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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3
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Kirbas Cilingir E, Besbinar O, Giro L, Bartoli M, Hueso JL, Mintz KJ, Aydogan Y, Garber JM, Turktas M, Ekim O, Ceylan A, Unal MA, Ensoy M, Arı F, Ozgenç Çinar O, Ozturk BI, Gokce C, Cansaran-Duman D, Braun M, Wachtveitl J, Santamaria J, Delogu LG, Tagliaferro A, Yilmazer A, Leblanc RM. Small Warriors of Nature: Novel Red Emissive Chlorophyllin Carbon Dots Harnessing Fenton-Fueled Ferroptosis for In Vitro and In Vivo Cancer Treatment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309283. [PMID: 38230862 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The appeal of carbon dots (CDs) has grown recently, due to their established biocompatibility, adjustable photoluminescence properties, and excellent water solubility. For the first time in the literature, copper chlorophyllin-based carbon dots (Chl-D CDs) are successfully synthesized. Chl-D CDs exhibit unique spectroscopic traits and are found to induce a Fenton-like reaction, augmenting photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacies via ferroptotic and apoptotic pathways. To bolster the therapeutic impact of Chl-D CDs, a widely used cancer drug, temozolomide, is linked to their surface, yielding a synergistic effect with PDT and chemotherapy. Chl-D CDs' biocompatibility in immune cells and in vivo models showed great clinical potential.Proteomic analysis was conducted to understand Chl-D CDs' underlying cancer treatment mechanism. The study underscores the role of reactive oxygen species formation and pointed toward various oxidative stress modulators like aldolase A (ALDOA), aldolase C (ALDOC), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1 (ALDH1B1), transaldolase 1 (TALDO1), and transketolase (TKT), offering a deeper understanding of the Chl-D CDs' anticancer activity. Notably, the Chl-D CDs' capacity to trigger a Fenton-like reaction leads to enhanced PDT efficiencies through ferroptotic and apoptotic pathways. Hence, it is firmly believed that the inherent attributes of Chl-CDs can lead to a secure and efficient combined cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emel Kirbas Cilingir
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Omur Besbinar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, Ankara, 06830, Turkey
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, Ankara, 06520, Turkey
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences of Ankara University, Ankara, 06110, Turkey
- Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Campus Río Ebro, Edificio I+D, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor, s/n, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Linda Giro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, 35129, Italy
| | - Mattia Bartoli
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, 10129, Italy
| | - Jose L Hueso
- Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Campus Río Ebro, Edificio I+D, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor, s/n, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Networking Research Center in Biomaterials, Bioengineering and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Campus Rio Ebro, C/María de Luna, 3, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, Avenida San Juan Bosco, 13, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
| | - Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Yagmur Aydogan
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jordan M Garber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Mine Turktas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, Ankara, 06560, Turkey
| | - Okan Ekim
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, 06110, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ceylan
- Department of Histology Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, 06110, Turkey
| | | | - Mine Ensoy
- Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Ankara, 06135, Turkey
| | - Fikret Arı
- Department of Electrical Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara, 06830, Turkey
| | - Ozge Ozgenç Çinar
- Department of Histology Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, 06110, Turkey
| | - Berfin Ilayda Ozturk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, Ankara, 06830, Turkey
| | - Cemile Gokce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, Ankara, 06830, Turkey
| | | | - Markus Braun
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Josef Wachtveitl
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jesus Santamaria
- Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Campus Río Ebro, Edificio I+D, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor, s/n, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Networking Research Center in Biomaterials, Bioengineering and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Campus Rio Ebro, C/María de Luna, 3, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, Avenida San Juan Bosco, 13, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
| | - Lucia Gemma Delogu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, 35129, Italy
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
| | - Alberto Tagliaferro
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, 10129, Italy
| | - Açelya Yilmazer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, Ankara, 06830, Turkey
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, Ankara, 06520, Turkey
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
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Wimmenauer C, Heinzel T. Identification of nanoparticles as vesicular cargo via Airy scanning fluorescence microscopy and spatial statistics. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:3512-3520. [PMID: 37383069 PMCID: PMC10295176 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00188a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Many biomedical applications of nanoparticles on the cellular level require a characterisation of their subcellular distribution. Depending on the nanoparticle and its preferred intracellular compartment, this may be a nontrivial task, and consequently, the available methodologies are constantly increasing. Here, we show that super-resolution microscopy in combination with spatial statistics (SMSS), comprising the pair correlation and the nearest neighbour function, is a powerful tool to identify spatial correlations between nanoparticles and moving vesicles. Furthermore, various types of motion like for example diffusive, active or Lévy flight transport can be distinguished within this concept via suitable statistical functions, which also contain information about the factors limiting the motion, as well as regarding characteristic length scales. The SMSS concept fills a methodological gap related to mobile intracellular nanoparticle hosts and its extension to further scenarios is straightforward. It is exemplified on MCF-7 cells after exposure to carbon nanodots, demonstrating that these particles are stored predominantly in the lysosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wimmenauer
- Institute of Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Heinrich-Heine-University Universitätsstr. 1 40225 Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Thomas Heinzel
- Institute of Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Heinrich-Heine-University Universitätsstr. 1 40225 Düsseldorf Germany
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5
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Zhai J, Bao L, Walduck AK, Dyett BP, Cai X, Li M, Nasa Z, Drummond CJ. Enhancing the photoluminescence and cellular uptake of fluorescent carbon nanodots via cubosome lipid nanocarriers. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:17940-17954. [PMID: 36349848 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr03415h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanodots (C-dots) have attracted much attention for their use in the fields of bioimaging, drug delivery, and sensing due to their excellent fluorescent and photoluminescent properties, photostability, biocompatibility, and amenability to surface modification. Herein, we report a nanocomposite formulation of C-dots (<5 nm) encapsulated in lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles (∼250 nm) via either passive diffusion or electrostatic mechanisms. The physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite formulation including particle size, surface charge, internal cubic nanostructures, and pH-dependent fluorescent properties were characterised. Upon loading of C-dots into lipid nanoparticles, the highly ordered inverse bicontinuous cubic mesophase existed in the internal phase of the nanoparticles, demonstrated by synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering, molecular dynamic simulation and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The pH-dependent fluorescent property of the C-dots was modified via electrostatic interaction between the C-dots and cationic lipid nanoparticles, which further enhanced the brightness of C-dots through self-quenching prevention. The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake efficiency of the developed nanocomposites were also examined in an epithelial gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS) and a macrophage cell line (stimulated THP-1). Compared to free C-dots, the uptake and cell imaging potential of the C-dot nanocomposites was significantly improved, by several orders of magnitude as demonstrated by cytoplasmic fluorescent intensities using confocal microscopy. Loading C-dots into mesoporous lipid nanocarriers presents a new way of modifying C-dot physicochemical and fluorescent properties, alternative to direct chemical surface modification, and advances the bioimaging potential of C-dots by enhancing cellular uptake efficiency and converging C-dot light emission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Lei Bao
- School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Anna K Walduck
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Brendan P Dyett
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Xudong Cai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Miaosi Li
- School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Zeyad Nasa
- Micro Nano Research Facility, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Calum J Drummond
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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6
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Fabrication of poly (aspartic) acid functionalized graphene quantum dots based FRET sensor for selective and sensitive detection of MAGE-A11 antigen. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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7
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Havrdová M, Urbančič I, Tománková KB, Malina L, Poláková K, Štrancar J, Bourlinos AB. Intracellular Trafficking of Cationic Carbon Dots in Cancer Cell Lines MCF-7 and HeLa-Time Lapse Microscopy, Concentration-Dependent Uptake, Viability, DNA Damage, and Cell Cycle Profile. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1077. [PMID: 35162996 PMCID: PMC8835431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) are potential tools for the labeling of cells with many advantages such as photostability, multicolor emission, small size, rapid uptake, biocompatibility, and easy preparation. Affinity towards organelles can be influenced by the surface properties of CDs which affect the interaction with the cell and cytoplasmic distribution. Organelle targeting by carbon dots is promising for anticancer treatment; thus, intracellular trafficking and cytotoxicity of cationic CDs was investigated. Based on our previous study, we used quaternized carbon dots (QCDs) for treatment and monitoring the behavior of two human cancer cell MCF-7 and HeLa lines. We found similarities between human cancer cells and mouse fibroblasts in the case of QCDs uptake. Time lapse microscopy of QCDs-labeled MCF-7 cells showed that cells are dying during the first two hours, faster at lower doses than at higher ones. QCDs at a concentration of 100 µg/mL entered into the nucleus before cellular death; however, at a dose of 200 µg/mL, blebbing of the cellular membrane occurred, with a subsequent penetration of QCDs into the nuclear area. In the case of HeLa cells, the dose-depended effect did not happen; however, the labeled cells were also dying in mitosis and genotoxicity occurred nearly at all doses. Moreover, contrasted intracellular compartments, probably mitochondria, were obvious after 24 h incubation with 100 µg/mL of QCDs. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) slightly increased after 24 h, depending on the concentration, thus the genotoxicity was likely evoked by the nanomaterial. A decrease in viability did not reach IC 50 as the DNA damage was probably partly repaired in the prolonged G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Thus, the defects in the G2/M phase may have allowed a damaged cell to enter mitosis and undergo apoptosis. The anticancer effect in both cell lines was manifested mainly through genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Havrdová
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Iztok Urbančič
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kateřina Bartoň Tománková
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Translational Medicine, Palacký University in Olomouc, Hněvotínská 3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Malina
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Translational Medicine, Palacký University in Olomouc, Hněvotínská 3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Poláková
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Janez Štrancar
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Beker SA, Khudur LS, Cole I, Ball AS. Catalytic degradation of methylene blue using iron and nitrogen-containing carbon dots as Fenton-like catalysts. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj04761b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Carbon dots were modified with iron and nitrogen groups to produce specific surface groups and charge which demonstrated high efficiency for the Fenton-like degradation of methylene blue whilst markedly minimising its effluent toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A. Beker
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Leadin S. Khudur
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Ivan Cole
- Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Andrew S. Ball
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
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Tade RS, Patil PO. Fabrication of Poly-l-lysine-Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots for the Label-Free Fluorescent-Based Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 8:470-483. [PMID: 34967597 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of tumor biomarkers is an attentive approach for the early detection and treatment of cancer. However, a cost-effective, simple, rapid, selective, and sensitive method is a basic prerequisite for diagnostic research. Herein, we present a novel fluorescence-based label-free sensing strategy for the sensitive and selective detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) using poly-l-lysine (PLL)-functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The GQDs were synthesized using a greener method by employing carbonized peanut shell (PNS) waste as a carbon source, and functionalization was accomplished using PLL (PLL-GQDs). The fluorescence stability of the PLL-GQDs was tested in a variety of solvent systems and pH solutions. When compared to nonfunctionalized GQDs (PNS-GQDs), prepared PLL-GQDs demonstrated increased fluorescence lifetime, high quantum yield, excellent photostability, biocompatibility, and greater cellular uptake. The PLL-GQDs with abundant surface amine and carboxylic groups showed selective interactions with an activated CEA antibody (CEA-Ab), resulting in the quenching of fluorescence signals. Because of the strong bioaffinity of CEA to the CEA-Ab, the antibody was unwrapped, resulting in the formation of an antibody-antigen complex and the recovery of fluorescence. As a result of this relationship, a turn "on-off-on" sensing mechanism with a strong response to CEA concentration (0.01 ng mL-1 to 100 μg mL-1) and a detection limit of 1.19 pg mL-1 was demonstrated. Furthermore, the fabricated CEA immunosensor (CEA-Ab@PLL-GQDs) performed admirably in real sample analysis, with an average recovery of 98.32%. The cellular uptake performance of PLL-GQDs was also demonstrated in the A427 cell lines, exhibiting a greater cellular uptake potential than PNS-GQDs. The cellular bioimaging study demonstrates that PLL-GQDs can be used for additional therapeutic and biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Shankar Tade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H. R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pravin Onkar Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H. R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
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Liu H, Guo J, Aryee AA, Hua L, Sun Y, Li Z, Liu J, Tang W. Lighting up Individual Organelles With Fluorescent Carbon Dots. Front Chem 2021; 9:784851. [PMID: 34900943 PMCID: PMC8660688 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.784851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell organelles play crucial roles in the normal functioning of an organism, therefore the disruption of their operation is associated with diseases and in some cases death. Thus, the detection and monitoring of the activities within these organelles are of great importance. Several probes based on graphene oxide, small molecules, and other nanomaterials have been developed for targeting specific organelles. Among these materials, organelle-targeted fluorescent probes based on carbon dots have attracted substantial attention in recent years owing to their superior characteristics, which include facile synthesis, good photostability, low cytotoxicity, and high selectivity. The ability of these probes to target specific organelles enables researchers to obtain valuable information for understanding the processes involved in their functions and/or malfunctions and may also aid in effective targeted drug delivery. This review highlights recently reported organelle-specific fluorescent probes based on carbon dots. The precursors of these carbon dots are also discussed because studies have shown that many of the intrinsic properties of these probes originate from the precursor used. An overview of the functions of the discussed organelles, the types of probes used, and their advantages and limitations are also provided. Organelles such as the mitochondria, nucleus, lysosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum have been the central focus of research to date, whereas the Golgi body, centrosome, vesicles, and others have received comparatively little attention. It is therefore the hope of the authors that further studies will be conducted in an effort to design probes with the ability to localize within these less studied organelles so as to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifang Liu
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiancheng Guo
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Linlin Hua
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanqiang Sun
- College of Chemistry of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaohui Li
- College of Chemistry of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenxue Tang
- Precision Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Green fluorescent carbon dots as targeting probes for LED‐dependent bacterial killing. NANO SELECT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202100183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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12
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He H, Chen X, Feng Z, Liu L, Wang Q, Bi S. Nanoscopic Imaging of Nucleolar Stress Enabled by Protein-Mimicking Carbon Dots. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:5689-5696. [PMID: 34181434 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The nucleolus is a central hub for coordinating cellular stress responses during cancer development and treatment. Accurate identification of nucleolar stress response is crucially desired for nucleolus-based diagnostics and therapeutics but technically challenging due to the need to address the ultrastructural analysis. Here, we report a protein-like CD with the integration of fluorescent blinking domains and RNA-binding motifs, which offers the ability to perform enhanced super-resolution imaging of the nucleolar ultrastructure. This image allows extraction of multidimensional information from the nucleolus for accurate distinguishment of different cells from the same cell types. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time this CD-depicted nucleolar ultrastructure as a sensitive hallmark to identify and discriminate subtle responses to various stressors as well as to afford RNA-related information that has been inaccessible by conventional immunofluorescence methods. This protein-mimicking CD could become a broadly useful probe for nucleolar stress studies in cell diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua He
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Xiaoliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Zhenzhen Feng
- Technical Center of Qingdao Customs District, Qingdao 266500, China
| | - Lihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Simin Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
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13
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Zhang L, Wang Z, Wang H, Dong W, Liu Y, Hu Q, Shuang S, Dong C, Gong X. Nitrogen-doped carbon dots for wash-free imaging of nucleolus orientation. Mikrochim Acta 2021; 188:183. [PMID: 33970343 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-021-04837-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are a rising star in the field of cellular imaging, especially cytoplasmic imaging, attributing to the super-stable optical performance and ultra-low biological toxicity. Nucleolus can accurately reflect the expression state of a cell and is strongly linked to the occurrence and development of many diseases, so exploring bran-new CDs for nucleolus-orientation imaging with no-wash technology has important theoretical value and practical significance. Herein, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with green fluorescence (the relative fluorescence quantum yield of 24.4%) was fabricated by the hydrothermal treatment of m-phenylenediamine and p-aminobenzoic acid. The N-CDs possess small size, bright green fluorescence, abundant surface functional groups, excellent fluorescence stability and good biocompatibility, facilitating that the N-CDs are an excellent imaging reagent for cellular imaging. N-CDs can particularly bind to RNA in nucleoli to enhance their fluorescence, which ensures that the N-CDs can be used in nucleolus-orientation imaging with high specificity and wash-free technique. This study demonstrates that the N-CDs have a significant feasibility to be used for nucleolus-orientation imaging in biomedical analysis and clinical diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, and Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Institute of Environmental Science, and Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiping Wang
- Institute of Environmental Science, and Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Dong
- Institute of Environmental Science, and Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Environmental Science, and Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Hu
- College of Food Chemistry and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaomin Shuang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Dong
- Institute of Environmental Science, and Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojuan Gong
- Institute of Environmental Science, and Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, People's Republic of China.
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14
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K. Anpalagan K, V. Karakkat J, Truskewycz A, Saedi AA, Joseph P, Apostolopoulos V, Nurgali K, Cole I, Cai Z, T. H. Lai D. Bioimaging of C2C12 Muscle Myoblasts Using Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots Synthesized from Bread. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1575. [PMID: 32796659 PMCID: PMC7466409 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Biocompatible carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have recently attracted increased interest in biomedical imaging owing to their advantageous photoluminescence properties. Numerous precursors of fluorescent CQDs and various fabrication procedures are also reported in the literature. However; the use of concentrated mineral acids and other corrosive chemicals during the fabrication process curtails their biocompatibility and severely limits the utilization of the products in cell bio-imaging. In this study; a facile; fast; and cost-effective synthetic route is employed to fabricate CQDs from a natural organic resource; namely bread; where the use of any toxic chemicals is eliminated. Thus; the novel chemical-free technique facilitated the production of luminescent CQDs that were endowed with low cytotoxicity and; therefore; suitable candidates for bioimaging sensors. The above mentioned amorphous CQDs also exhibited fluorescence over 360-420 nm excitation wavelengths; and with a broad emission range of 360-600 nm. We have also shown that the CQDs were well internalized by muscle myoblasts (C2C12) and differentiated myotubes; the cell lines which have not been reported before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthiga K. Anpalagan
- Institute of Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia; (J.V.K.); (V.A.); (K.N.); (Z.C.); (D.T.H.L.)
| | - Jimsheena V. Karakkat
- Institute of Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia; (J.V.K.); (V.A.); (K.N.); (Z.C.); (D.T.H.L.)
| | - Adam Truskewycz
- Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication, School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (A.T.); (I.C.)
| | - Ahmed Al Saedi
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St. Albans, VIC 3000, Australia;
| | - Paul Joseph
- Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia;
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute of Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia; (J.V.K.); (V.A.); (K.N.); (Z.C.); (D.T.H.L.)
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute of Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia; (J.V.K.); (V.A.); (K.N.); (Z.C.); (D.T.H.L.)
| | - Ivan Cole
- Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication, School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (A.T.); (I.C.)
| | - Zibo Cai
- Institute of Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia; (J.V.K.); (V.A.); (K.N.); (Z.C.); (D.T.H.L.)
| | - Daniel T. H. Lai
- Institute of Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia; (J.V.K.); (V.A.); (K.N.); (Z.C.); (D.T.H.L.)
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15
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Unnikrishnan B, Wu RS, Wei SC, Huang CC, Chang HT. Fluorescent Carbon Dots for Selective Labeling of Subcellular Organelles. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:11248-11261. [PMID: 32478212 PMCID: PMC7254528 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b04301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
With the recent advancement in understanding and control of the structure and optical properties of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs), they have been shown to be valuable in biolabeling of bacteria, tumor cells, tissues, and organelles. Their extremely small size and tunable functional properties coupled with ultrastable fluorescence enable CDs to be used for easy and effective labeling of various organelles. In addition, CDs with advantages of easy preparation and functionalization with recognition elements and/or drugs have emerged as nanocarriers for organelle-targeted drug delivery. In this review, we mainly discuss the applications of fluorescent CDs for the labeling of organelles, including lysosome, nucleoli, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. We highlight the importance of the surface properties (functional groups, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, charges, zwitterions) and the size of CDs for labeling. Several interesting examples are provided to highlight the potential and disadvantages of CDs for labeling organelles. Strategies for the preparation of CDs for specific labeling of organelles are suggested. With the edge in preparation of diverse CDs, their potential in labeling and drug delivery is highly expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binesh Unnikrishnan
- Department
of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National
Taiwan Ocean University, 2, Beining Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Siang Wu
- Department
of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chun Wei
- Department
of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Huang
- Department
of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National
Taiwan Ocean University, 2, Beining Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
- Center
of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan
Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung
Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Tsung Chang
- Department
of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Department
of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chungli District, Taoyuan City 32023, Taiwan
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