1
|
Cho H, Bae G, Hong BH. Engineering functionalization and properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with controllable synthesis for energy and display applications. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:3347-3378. [PMID: 38288500 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05842e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a new type of 0D nanomaterial, are composed of a graphene lattice with sp2 bonding carbon core and characterized by their abundant edges and wide surface area. This unique structure imparts excellent electrical properties and exceptional physicochemical adsorption capabilities to GQDs. Additionally, the reduction in dimensionality of graphene leads to an open band gap in GQDs, resulting in their unique optical properties. The functional groups and dopants in GQDs are key factors that allow the modulation of these characteristics. So, controlling the functionalization level of GQDs is crucial for understanding their characteristics and further application. This review provides an overview of the properties and structure of GQDs and summarizes recent developments in research that focus on their controllable synthesis, involving functional groups and doping. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive and focused explanation of how GQDs have been advantageously applied in recent years, particularly in the fields of energy storage devices and displays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonwoo Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gaeun Bae
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung Hee Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Graphene Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon 16229, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chang YH, Chiang WH, Ilhami FB, Tsai CY, Huang SY, Cheng CC. Water-soluble graphene quantum dot-based polymer nanoparticles with internal donor/acceptor heterojunctions for efficient and selective detection of cancer cells. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 637:389-398. [PMID: 36716663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We present a new, insightful donor-acceptor (D-A) energy transfer-based strategy for the preparation and development of water-soluble multifunctional pH-responsive heterojunction nanoparticles. Hydrophilic tertiary amine-grafted polythiophene (WPT) as a donor and blue fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQD) as an acceptor spontaneously form co-assembled nanoparticles that function as a highly pH-sensitive and efficient biosensor appropriate for the detection of cancer cells. These WPT/GQD nanoparticles exhibit a number of unique physical characteristics-such as broad-range, tunable GQD-loading contents and particle sizes, extremely low cytotoxicity in normal and cancer cells, and highly sensitive pH-responsiveness and rapid acid-triggered fluorescent behavior under aqueous acidic conditions. We show these features are conferred by self-aggregation of the GQD within the nanoparticles and subsequent aggregation-induced fluorescence of GQD after disassembly of the nanoparticles and dissociation of the D-A interactions under acidic conditions. Importantly, in vitro fluorescence imaging experiments clearly demonstrated the WPT/GQD nanoparticles were gradually taken up into normal and cancer cells in vitro. Selective formation of GQD aggregates subsequently occurred in the acidic microenvironment of the cancer cells and the interior of the cancer cells exhibited strong blue fluorescence; these phenomena did not occur in normal cells. In contrast, pristine WPT and GQD did not exhibit cellular microenvironment-triggered fluorescence transitions in cancer or normal cell lines. Therefore, this newly discovered water-soluble heterojunction system may represent a strongly fluorescent highly pH-sensitive bioprobe for rapid detection of cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan
| | - Fasih Bintang Ilhami
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan; Department of Natural Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60231, Indonesia
| | - Cheng-Yu Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Yu Huang
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chia Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan; Advanced Membrane Materials Research Center, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xiong R, Sauvage F, Fraire JC, Huang C, De Smedt SC, Braeckmans K. Photothermal Nanomaterial-Mediated Photoporation. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:631-643. [PMID: 36892059 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusDelivering biological effector molecules in cultured cells is of fundamental importance to any study or application in which the modulation of gene expression is required. Examples range from generating engineered cell lines for studying gene function to the engineering of cells for cell-based therapies such as CAR-T cells and gene-corrected stem cells for regenerative medicine. It remains a great challenge, however, to deliver biological effector molecules across the cell membrane with minimal adverse effects on cell viability and functionality. While viral vectors have been frequently used to introduce foreign nucleic acids into cells, their use is associated with safety concerns such as immunogenicity, high manufacturing cost, and limited cargo capacity.For photoporation, depending on the laser energy, membrane permeabilization happens either by local heating or by laser-induced water vapor nanobubbles (VNB). In our first study on this topic, we demonstrated that the physical force exerted by suddenly formed VNB leads to more efficient intracellular delivery as compared to mere heating. Next, we explored the use of different photothermal nanomaterials, finding that graphene quantum dots display enhanced thermal stability compared to the more traditionally used gold nanoparticles, hence providing the possibility to increase the delivery efficiency by repeated laser activation. To enable its use for the production of engineered therapeutic cells, it would be better if contact with cells with nondegradable nanoparticles is avoided as it poses toxicity and regulatory concerns. Therefore, we recently demonstrated that photoporation can be performed with biodegradable polydopamine nanoparticles as well. Alternatively, we demonstrated that nanoparticle contact can be avoided by embedding the photothermal nanoparticles in a substrate made from biocompatible electrospun nanofibers. With this variety of photoporation approaches, over the years we demonstrated the successful delivery of a broad variety of biologics (mRNA, siRNA, Cas9 ribonucleoproteins, nanobodies, etc.) in many different cell types, including hard-to-transfect cells such as T cells, embryonic stem cells, neurons, and macrophages.In this Account, we will first start with a brief introduction of the general concept and a historical development of photoporation. In the next two sections, we will extensively discuss the various types of photothermal nanomaterials which have been used for photoporation. We discriminate two types of photothermal nanomaterials: single nanostructures and composite nanostructures. The first one includes examples such as gold nanoparticles, graphene quantum dots, and polydopamine nanoparticles. The second type includes polymeric films and nanofibers containing photothermal nanoparticles as well as composite nanoscale biolistic nanostructures. A thorough discussion will be given for each type of photothermal nanomaterial, from its synthesis and characterization to its application in photoporation, with its advantages and disadvantages. In the final section, we will provide an overall discussion and elaborate on future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranhua Xiong
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (NFU-UGent), Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), No. 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Félix Sauvage
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan C Fraire
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chaobo Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (NFU-UGent), Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), No. 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (NFU-UGent), Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), No. 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (NFU-UGent), Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), No. 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Goemaere I, Punj D, Harizaj A, Woolston J, Thys S, Sterck K, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Response Surface Methodology to Efficiently Optimize Intracellular Delivery by Photoporation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043147. [PMID: 36834558 PMCID: PMC9962540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoporation is an up-and-coming technology for the gentle and efficient transfection of cells. Inherent to the application of photoporation is the optimization of several process parameters, such as laser fluence and sensitizing particle concentration, which is typically done one factor at a time (OFAT). However, this approach is tedious and runs the risk of missing a global optimum. Therefore, in this study, we explored whether response surface methodology (RSM) would allow for more efficient optimization of the photoporation procedure. As a case study, FITC-dextran molecules of 500 kDa were delivered to RAW264.7 mouse macrophage-like cells, making use of polydopamine nanoparticles (PDNPs) as photoporation sensitizers. Parameters that were varied to obtain an optimal delivery yield were PDNP size, PDNP concentration and laser fluence. Two established RSM designs were compared: the central composite design and the Box-Behnken design. Model fitting was followed by statistical assessment, validation, and response surface analysis. Both designs successfully identified a delivery yield optimum five- to eight-fold more efficiently than when using OFAT methodology while revealing a strong dependence on PDNP size within the design space. In conclusion, RSM proves to be a valuable approach to efficiently optimize photoporation conditions for a particular cell type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Goemaere
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Deep Punj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jessica Woolston
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Thys
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Karen Sterck
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C. De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-9-2648098; Fax: +32-9-2648189
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nanomaterial-mediated photoporation for intracellular delivery. Acta Biomater 2023; 157:24-48. [PMID: 36584801 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Translocation of extrinsic molecules into living cells is becoming increasingly crucial in biological studies ranging from cell engineering to biomedical applications. The concerns regarding biosafety and immunogenicity for conventional vectors and physical methods yet challenge effective intracellular delivery. Here, we begin with an overview of approaches for trans-membrane delivery up to now. These methods are featured with a relatively mature application but usually encounter low cell survival. Our review then proposes an advanced application for nanomaterial-sensitized photoporation triggered with a laser. We cover the mechanisms, procedures, and outcomes of photoporation-induced intracellular delivery with a highlight on its versatility to different living cells. We hope the review discussed here encourages researchers to further improvement and applications for photoporation-induced intracellular delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.
Collapse
|
6
|
Gettemans J. Site-Specific Fluorescent Labeling, Single-Step Immunocytochemistry, and Delivery of Nanobodies into Living Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2446:373-393. [PMID: 35157284 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2075-5_19] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The smallest natural antibody fragments currently available are single-domain antibodies obtained from camelid species and sharks (variable new antigen receptors). These molecules consist of a single amino acid chain of ~120 amino acids that adopts a typical immunoglobulin fold. Single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) are monovalent and can be isolated from immunized animals, from naïve libraries, or from synthetic libraries. Importantly, their complete DNA sequences are readily obtained by default, which greatly facilitates their rapid manipulation for various applications. Here, a PCR-based protocol for inserting a sortase A recognition sequence at the carboxy-terminus of a nanobody is described. Subsequently, a sortase A-catalyzed biochemical reaction results in tagging of the nanobody with a short carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence that carries a non-canonical residue (propargyl glycine). This allows click chemistry to be performed with an azido-derivatized fluorophore, with the ensuing fluorescent nanobody being covalently and site-specifically labeled. The labeled nanobody can be used directly for immunocytochemistry, omitting the classical secondary antibody step. Also described are methods for delivery of fluorescent nanobodies into the cytoplasm of mammalian cells by photoporation, a very low-toxicity approach involving laser light and graphene quantum dots. The combined protocol embodies a novel route for studying protein function in living cells at high resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Golubewa L, Kulahava T, Klimovich A, Rutkauskas D, Matulaitiene I, Karpicz R, Belko N, Mogilevtsev D, Kavalenka A, Fetisova M, Karvinen P, Svirko Y, Kuzhir P. Visualizing hypochlorous acid production by human neutrophils with fluorescent graphene quantum dots. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 33:095101. [PMID: 34818632 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac3ce4] [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: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In living organisms, redox reactions play a crucial role in the progression of disorders accompanied by the overproduction of reactive oxygen and reactive chlorine species, such as hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid, respectively. We demonstrate that green fluorescence graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can be employed for revealing the presence of the hypochlorous acid in aqueous solutions and cellular systems. Hypochlorous acid modifies the oxygen-containing groups of the GQD, predominantly opens epoxide ring C-O-C, forms excessive C=O bonds and damages the carbonic core of GQDs. These changes, which depend on the concentration of the hypochlorous acid and exposure time, manifest themselves in the absorbance and fluorescence spectra of the GQD, and in the fluorescence lifetime. We also show that the GQD fluorescence is not affected by hydrogen peroxide. This finding makes GQDs a promising sensing agent for selective detecting reactive chlorine species produced by neutrophils. Neutrophils actively accumulate GQDs allowing to visualize cells and to examine the redox processes via GQDs fluorescence. At high concentrations GQDs induce neutrophil activation and myeloperoxidase release, leading to the disruption of GQD structure by the produced hypochlorous acid. This makes the GQDs a biodegradable material suitable for various biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Golubewa
- Department of Molecular Compounds Physics, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
- Laboratory of Nanoelectromagnetics, Institute for Nuclear Problems of Belarusian State University, Minsk, 220006, Belarus
| | - Tatsiana Kulahava
- Laboratory of Nanoelectromagnetics, Institute for Nuclear Problems of Belarusian State University, Minsk, 220006, Belarus
| | - Aliona Klimovich
- Department of Organic Chemistry, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Danielis Rutkauskas
- Department of Molecular Compounds Physics, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Matulaitiene
- Department of Organic Chemistry, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Renata Karpicz
- Department of Molecular Compounds Physics, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Nikita Belko
- Laboratory of Spectroscopy, A. N. Sevchenko Institute of Applied Physical Problems of Belarusian State University, Minsk, 220045, Belarus
- Center of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Belarus
| | - Dmitri Mogilevtsev
- Center of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Belarus
| | - Alena Kavalenka
- Department of Biophysics, Physics Faculty, Belarusian State University, Minsk, 220030, Belarus
| | - Marina Fetisova
- Institute of Photonics, Department of Physics and Mathematics, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, 80101, Finland
| | - Petri Karvinen
- Institute of Photonics, Department of Physics and Mathematics, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, 80101, Finland
| | - Yuri Svirko
- Institute of Photonics, Department of Physics and Mathematics, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, 80101, Finland
| | - Polina Kuzhir
- Institute of Photonics, Department of Physics and Mathematics, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, 80101, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang J, Harizaj A, Wu Y, Jiang X, Brans T, Fraire JC, Mejía Morales J, De Smedt SC, Tang Z, Xiong R, Braeckmans K. Black phosphorus mediated photoporation: a broad absorption nanoplatform for intracellular delivery of macromolecules. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:17049-17056. [PMID: 34622916 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05461a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-sensitized photoporation for intracellular delivery of external compounds usually relies on the use of spherical gold nanoparticles as sensitizing nanoparticles. As they need stimulation with visible laser light, they are less suited for transfection of cells in thick biological tissues. In this work, we have explored black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) as alternative sensitizing nanoparticles for photoporation with a broad and uniform absorption spectrum from the visible to the near infra-red (NIR) range. We demonstrate that BPQD sensitized photoporation allows efficient intracellular delivery of both siRNA (>80%) and mRNA (>40%) in adherent cells as well as in suspension cells. Cell viability remained high (>80%) irrespective of whether irradiation was performed with visible (532 nm) or near infrared (800 nm) pulsed laser light. Finally, as a proof of concept, we used BPQD sensitized photoporation to deliver macromolecules in cells with thick phantom tissue in the optical path. NIR laser irradiation resulted in only 1.3× reduction in delivery efficiency as compared to photoporation without the phantom gel, while with visible laser light the delivery efficiency was reduced 2×.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Wang
- School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Research Center of Photoelectric Detection Instrument Engineering Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Yongbo Wu
- School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Research Center of Photoelectric Detection Instrument Engineering Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaofang Jiang
- School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Research Center of Photoelectric Detection Instrument Engineering Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Toon Brans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Juan C Fraire
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Julián Mejía Morales
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Zhilie Tang
- School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Research Center of Photoelectric Detection Instrument Engineering Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ranhua Xiong
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (NFU-UGent), International Innovation for Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
- Centre for Advanced Light Microscopy, Ghent University, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
The use of graphene quantum dots as biomedical device and drug delivery system has been increasing. This nanoplatform of pure carbon has showed unique properties and showed to be safe for human use. The imatinib is a molecule designed to specifically inhibit the tyrosine kinase, used for leukemia treatment. In this study, we successfully decorated the graphene quantum dots (GQDs@imatinb) by a carbodiimide crosslinking reaction. The GQDs@imatinb were characterized by FTIR and AFM. The nanoparticles' in vitro behaviors were evaluated by cellular trafficking (internalization) assay and cell viability and apoptosis assays in various cancer cell lines, including suspension (leukemia) cells and adherent cancer cells. The results showed that the incorporation of the imatinib on the surface of the graphene quantum dots did not change the nanoparticles' morphology and properties. The GQDs@imatinb could be efficiently internalized and kill cancer cells via the induction of apoptosis. The data indicated that the prepared GQDs@imatinb might be a great drug nano-platform for cancer, particularly leukemia treatments.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ramon J, Xiong R, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K, Braeckmans K. Vapor nanobubble-mediated photoporation constitutes a versatile intracellular delivery technology. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2021.101453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
11
|
Harizaj A, Descamps B, Mangodt C, Stremersch S, Stoppa A, Balcaen L, Brans T, De Rooster H, Devriendt N, Fraire JC, Bolea-Fernandez E, De Wever O, Willaert W, Vanhaecke F, Stevens CV, De Smedt SC, Roman B, Vanhove C, Lentacker I, Braeckmans K. Cytosolic delivery of gadolinium via photoporation enables improved in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of cancer cells. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:4005-4018. [PMID: 33899850 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00479d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Longitudinal in vivo monitoring of transplanted cells is crucial to perform cancer research or to assess the treatment outcome of cell-based therapies. While several bio-imaging techniques can be used, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly stands out in terms of high spatial resolution and excellent soft-tissue contrast. However, MRI suffers from low sensitivity, requiring cells to be labeled with high concentrations of contrast agents. An interesting option is to label cells with clinically approved gadolinium chelates which generate a hyperintense MR signal. However, spontaneous uptake of the label via pinocytosis results in its endosomal sequestration, leading to quenching of the T1-weighted relaxation. To avoid this quenching effect, delivery of gadolinium chelates directly into the cytosol via electroporation or hypotonic cell swelling have been proposed. However, these methods are also accompanied by several drawbacks such as a high cytotoxicity, and changes in gene expression and phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that nanoparticle-sensitized laser induced photoporation forms an attractive alternative to efficiently deliver the contrast agent gadobutrol into the cytosol of both HeLa and SK-OV-3 IP1 cells. After intracellular delivery by photoporation the quenching effect is clearly avoided, leading to a strong increase in the hyperintense T1-weighted MR signal. Moreover, when compared to nucleofection as a state-of-the-art electroporation platform, photoporation has much less impact on cell viability, which is extremely important for reliable cell tracking studies. Additional experiments confirm that photoporation does not induce any change in the long-term viability or the migratory capacity of the cells. Finally, we show that gadolinium 'labeled' SK-OV-3 IP1 cells can be imaged in vivo by MRI with high soft-tissue contrast and spatial resolution, revealing indications of potential tumor invasion or angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Harizaj A, De Smedt SC, Lentacker I, Braeckmans K. Physical transfection technologies for macrophages and dendritic cells in immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 18:229-247. [PMID: 32985919 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1828340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, two important antigen presenting cells (APCs) of the innate immune system, are being explored for the use in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. For this application, the therapeutic potential of patient-derived APCs is increased by delivering different types of functional macromolecules, such as mRNA and pDNA, into their cytosol. Compared to the use of viral and non-viral delivery vectors, physical intracellular delivery techniques are known to be more straightforward, more controllable, faster and generate high delivery efficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review starts with electroporation as the most traditional physical transfection method, before continuing with the more recent technologies such as sonoporation, nanowires and microfluidic cell squeezing. A description is provided of each of those intracellular delivery technologies with their strengths and weaknesses, especially paying attention to delivery efficiency and safety profile. EXPERT OPINION Given the common use of electroporation for the production of therapeutic APCs, it is recommended that more detailed studies are performed on the effect of electroporation on APC fitness, even down to the genetic level. Newer intracellular delivery technologies seem to have less impact on APC functionality but further work is needed to fully uncover their suitability to transfect APCs with different types of macromolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|