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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. [PMID: 39007289 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00630e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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Kumar M, Chinnathambi S, Bakhori N, Abu N, Etezadi F, Thangavel V, Packwood D, Sivaniah E, Pandian GN. Biomass-derived carbon dots as fluorescent quantum probes to visualize and modulate inflammation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12665. [PMID: 38830927 PMCID: PMC11148068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62901-7] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots, which won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, have recently gained significant attention in precision medicine due to their unique properties, such as size-tunable emission, high photostability, efficient light absorption, and vibrant luminescence. Consequently, there is a growing demand to identify new types of quantum dots from various sources and explore their potential applications as stimuli-responsive biosensors, biomolecular imaging probes, and targeted drug delivery agents. Biomass-waste-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are an attractive alternative to conventional QDs, which often require expensive and toxic precursors, as they offer several merits in eco-friendly synthesis, preparation from renewable sources, and cost-effective production. In this study, we evaluated three CQDs derived from biomass waste for their potential application as non-toxic bioimaging agents in various cell lines, including human dermal fibroblasts, HeLa, cardiomyocytes, induced pluripotent stem cells, and an in-vivo medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) model. Confocal microscopic studies revealed that CQDs could assist in visualizing inflammatory processes in the cells, as they were taken up more by cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-α than untreated cells. In addition, our quantitative real-time PCR gene expression analysis has revealed that citric acid-based CQDs can potentially reduce inflammatory markers such as Interleukin-6. Our studies suggest that CQDs have potential as theragnostic agents, which can simultaneously identify and modulate inflammatory markers and may lead to targeted therapy for immune system-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Kumar
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 616-8510, Japan
- Department of Molecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Shanmugavel Chinnathambi
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 616-8510, Japan.
| | - Noremylia Bakhori
- Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMREC), SIRIM Berhad, Lot 34, Jalan Hi-Tech 2/3, Hi-Tech Park, 09000, Kulim, Malaysia
| | - Norhidayah Abu
- Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMREC), SIRIM Berhad, Lot 34, Jalan Hi-Tech 2/3, Hi-Tech Park, 09000, Kulim, Malaysia.
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Fatemeh Etezadi
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 616-8510, Japan
| | - Vaijayanthi Thangavel
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 616-8510, Japan
| | - Daniel Packwood
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 616-8510, Japan
| | - Easan Sivaniah
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 616-8510, Japan
- Department of Molecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Ganesh N Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 616-8510, Japan.
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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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Li J, Wang X, Yu J, Wang H, Wang X. Facile Synthesis of Carbon Dots from Amido Black 10b for Sensing in Real Samples. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:47002-47008. [PMID: 36570244 PMCID: PMC9773358 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Herein, a one-step hydrothermal synthesis method was adopted to fabricate carbon dots (CDs) from amido black 10b in a sodium hydroxide solution. The morphology and composition of the CDs were investigated by XRD, FTIR TEM, XPS, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The obtained CDs (AB-CDs) with an average diameter of 19.4 nm displayed a well-dispersed characteristic in aqueous solutions. The as-prepared CDs showed bright blue fluorescence and good photostability, with a high quantum yield of 24.1%. AB-CDs displayed a selective and noticeable turn-off response to Fe3+. Accordingly, the quantitative detection of Fe3+ was achieved in the range of 5-200 μmol L-1 with a detection limit of 1.84 μmol L-1. The fluorescence response mechanism of Fe3+ to AB-CDs was ascribed to static quenching due to the emergence of the ground-state complex. Moreover, ascorbic acid could restore the fluorescence of AB-CDs quenched by Fe3+ by reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+. The developed nanoprobe was used to detect ascorbic acid with a limit of detection of 7.26 μmol L-1 in the range of 20-300 μmol L-1. Furthermore, the developed sensing system was successfully applied for an Fe3+ assay in a lake water sample and ascorbic acid detection in a human urine sample. The AB-CD-based analytical system showed its latent practical value in the chemical analysis and bioanalytical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Reproductive
Medicine Center, Suizhou Hospital, Hubei
University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei441300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Reproductive
Medicine Center, Suizhou Hospital, Hubei
University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei441300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Yu
- Center
for Translational Medicine, Suizhou Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei441300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanqin Wang
- Center
for Translational Medicine, Suizhou Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei441300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Reproductive
Medicine Center, Suizhou Hospital, Hubei
University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei441300, People’s Republic of China
- Center
for Translational Medicine, Suizhou Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei441300, People’s Republic of China
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Zhai LM, Zhao Y, Xiao RL, Zhang SQ, Tian BH, Li XX, Zhang R, Ma RS, Liang HX. Nuclear-targeted carbon quantum dot mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery for fluorescence visualization and efficient editing. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:14645-14660. [PMID: 36165075 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr04281a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear targeted delivery has great potential in improving the efficiency of non-viral carrier mediated genome editing. However, direct and efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid into the nucleus remains a challenge. In this study, a nuclear targeted gene delivery platform based on fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was developed. Polyethylenimine (PEI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) synergistically passivated the surface of CQDs, providing an excitation-independent green-emitting fluorescent CQDs-PEI-PEG conjugate (CQDs-PP) with an ultra-small size and positive surface charge. Here we show that CQDs-PP could bind CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid to form a nano-complex by electrostatic attraction, which can bypass lysosomes and enter the nucleus by passive diffusion, and thereby improve the transfection efficiency. Also, CQDs-PP could deliver CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid into HeLa cells, resulting in the insertion/deletion mutation of the target EFHD1 gene. More importantly, CQDs-PP exhibited a considerably higher gene editing efficiency as well as comparable or lower cytotoxicity relative to Lipo2000 and PEI-passivated CQDs-PEI (CQDs-P). Thus, the nuclear-targeted CQDs-PP is expected to constitute an efficient CRISPR/Cas9 delivery carrier in vitro with imaging-trackable ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Min Zhai
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Rui-Lin Xiao
- School of Ecology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Shi-Quan Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
| | - Bao-Hua Tian
- School of Ecology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Xin-Xin Li
- School of Ecology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Shanxi Eye Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030002, China
| | - Ri-Sheng Ma
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
| | - Hai-Xia Liang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
- School of Ecology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
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Dinger N, Panzetta V, Russo C, Netti PA, Sirignano M. In vitro effects of combustion generated carbon dots on cellular parameters in healthy and cancerous breast cells. Nanotoxicology 2022; 16:733-756. [PMID: 36403151 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2022.2144775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Carbon nanomaterials are an inventive class of materials with wide applications in state-of-the-art bioimaging and therapeutics. They allow a broad range of tunable and integrated advantages of structural flexibility, chemical and thermal stability, upright electrical conductivity, and the option of scale-up and mass production. In the context of nanomedicine, carbon nanomaterials have been used extensively to mitigate the serious side effects of conventional chemotherapy and also to enable early cancer diagnostics, given their wide range of tunable properties. A class of carbon nanomaterials, called carbon dots (CDs) are small carbon-based nanoparticles and have been a valued discovery due to their photoluminescence, low photobleaching, and high surface area to mass ratio. The process of producing these CDs had so far been a high energy demanding process involving wet chemistry for purification. A one-step tunable production of luminescent CDs from fuel rich combustion reactors was recently presented by our group. In this paper, we explore the effects of these yellow luminescent combustion-generated CDs in MCF7 adenocarcinoma and MCF10a normal breast epithelial cells. We observed that these CDs, also at nontoxic doses, can affect basic cellular functions, such as cell cycle and proliferation; induce substantial changes on the physical parameters of the plasma membrane; and change the overall appearance of a cell in terms of morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Dinger
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Panzetta
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials, CRIB, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care IIT@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Russo
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie per l'Energia e la Mobilità Sostenibili- CNR - P.le V. Tecchio, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials, CRIB, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care IIT@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Sirignano
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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