1
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Khan S, Jatala FH, Muti A, Afza N, Noor A, Mumtaz S, Zafar S. Therapeutic Potential of Nitrogen-Doped Rutin-Bound Glucose Carbon Dots for Alzheimer's Disease. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2024; 97:153-164. [PMID: 38947101 PMCID: PMC11202111 DOI: 10.59249/ewoi2166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the use of many drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders. Recently, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) have emerged as promising nanocarriers to cross BBB. The primary focus of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of NCDs for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we developed and characterized NCDs bound to rutin, a flavonoid with known benefits for AD. Despite its benefits, the transportation of rutin via NCDs for AD therapy has not been explored previously. We characterized the particles using FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopy followed by atomic force microscopy. Once the design was optimized and validated, we performed in vivo testing via a hemolytic assay to optimize the dosage. Preliminary in vitro testing was performed in AlCl3-induced rat models of AD whereby a single dose of 10 mg/kg NCDs-rutin was administered intraperitoneally. Interestingly, this single dose of 10 mg/kg NCDs-rutin produced the same behavioral effects as 50 mg/kg rutin administered intraperitoneally for 1 month. Similarly, histological and biomarker profiles (SOD2 and TLR4) also presented significant protective effects of NCDs-rutin against neuronal loss, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Hence, NCDs-rutin are a promising approach for the treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Khan
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
(SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad,
Pakistan
| | - Faria Hasan Jatala
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
(SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad,
Pakistan
| | - Alveena Muti
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
(SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad,
Pakistan
| | - Noor Afza
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
(SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad,
Pakistan
| | - Aneeqa Noor
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
(SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad,
Pakistan
| | - Sara Mumtaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University
of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Saima Zafar
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
(SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad,
Pakistan
- Clinical Department of Neurology, University Medical
Center Göttingen and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE),
Göttingen, Germany
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2
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Milenkovic I, Borišev M, Zhou Y, Spasic SZ, Spasic D, Leblanc RM, Radotic K. Non-toxic orange carbon dots stimulate photosynthesis and CO 2 assimilation in hydroponically cultivated green beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris). FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2024; 51:FP23164. [PMID: 38560925 DOI: 10.1071/fp23164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Continuous increasing leaf photosynthesis may enhance plant yield. As an evolutionary property, plants use less photosynthetic capacity than is theoretically possible. Plant nanobionics is a bioengineering field that improves plant functions using nanoparticles. We applied orange carbon dots (o-CDs) onto the foliage of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris ) grown in hydroponics to improve their photosynthetic performance and CO2 assimilation. Photosynthesis parameters, photosynthetic pigments content, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidative activity (TAA) were measured. Results show that photosynthetic pigments remained unchanged, while photosynthesis was improved. Both o-CDs concentrations decreased TPC and TAA. The light response curve showed higher CO2 assimilation at both o-CDs concentrations, particularly at lower light intensity. Correlation analysis confirmed increased CO2 binding and assimilation at 1mg L-1 . This study demonstrated the potential of using o-CDs as a safe biostimulator through photosynthesis increase and CO2 assimilation without toxic effects on plants. This may stimulate yield increase that paves the way for their agricultural application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Milenkovic
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Borišev
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sladjana Z Spasic
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; and Singidunum University, Danijelova 32, Belgrade 11010, Serbia
| | - Dunja Spasic
- Faculty of Mathematics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ksenija Radotic
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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3
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Sabol A, Zhou Y, Zhang W, Ferreira BCLB, Chen J, Leblanc RM, Catenazzi A. Carbon nitride dots do not impair the growth, development, and telomere length of tadpoles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170176. [PMID: 38244620 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Carbon nanoparticles, or carbon dots, can have many beneficial uses. However, we must consider whether they may have any potential negative side effects on wildlife or the ecosystem when these particles end up in wastewater. Early development stages of amphibians are particularly sensitive to contaminants, and exposure to carbon dots could disrupt their development and cause morbidity or death. Past studies have investigated short-term exposure to certain types of nanoparticles, but if these particles get into wastewater exposure may not be short term. Therefore, we tested whether chronic exposure to different concentrations of carbon dots affects the growth, metamorphosis, and telomere length of Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles. We exposed 12 groups of five tadpoles each to different concentrations of carbon dots and a control for three months and tracked survival, growth and metamorphosis. We used carbon nitride dots approximately 2 nm in size at concentrations of 0.01 mg/ml and 0.02 mg/ml, known to interrupt development in zebrafish embryos. After three months, we measured telomere length from tissue samples. We found no difference in tadpole survivorship, growth, development rate, or telomere length among any of the groups, suggesting that carbon dots at these concentrations do not disrupt tadpole development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sabol
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | - Jiuyan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Alessandro Catenazzi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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4
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Kumara BN, Kalimuthu P, Prasad KS. Synthesis, properties and potential applications of photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1268:341430. [PMID: 37268342 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Photoluminescent-carbon nanoparticles (PL-CNPs) are a new class of materials that received immense interest among researchers due to their distinct characteristics, including photoluminescence, high surface-to-volume ratio, low cost, ease of synthesis, high quantum yield, and biocompatibility. By exploiting these outstanding properties, many studies have been reported on its utility as sensors, photocatalysts, probes for bio-imaging, and optoelectronics applications. From clinical applications to point-of-care test devices, drug loading to tracking of drug delivery, and other research innovations demonstrated PL-CNPs as an emerging material that could substitute conventional approaches. However, some of the PL-CNPs have poor PL properties and selectivity due to the presence of impurities (e.g., molecular fluorophores) and unfavourable surface charges by the passivation molecules, which impede their applications in many fields. To address these issues, many researchers have been paying great attention to developing new PL-CNPs with different composite combinations to achieve high PL properties and selectivity. Herein, we thoroughly discussed the recent development of various synthetic strategies employed to prepare PL-CNPs, doping effects, photostability, biocompatibility, and applications in sensing, bioimaging, and drug delivery fields. Moreover, the review discussed the limitations, future direction, and perspectives of PL-CNPs in possible potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Kumara
- Nanomaterial Research Laboratory (NMRL), Nano Division, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575 018, India
| | - Palraj Kalimuthu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| | - K S Prasad
- Centre for Nutrition Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575 018, India.
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5
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Vallejo FA, Sigdel G, Veliz EA, Leblanc RM, Vanni S, Graham RM. Carbon Dots in Treatment of Pediatric Brain Tumors: Past, Present, and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119562. [PMID: 37298513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Though developments have been made in treating these malignancies, the blood-brain barrier, intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity, and therapeutic toxicity pose challenges to improving outcomes. Varying types of nanoparticles, including metallic, organic, and micellar molecules of varying structures and compositions, have been investigated as a potential therapy to circumvent some of these inherent challenges. Carbon dots (CDs) have recently gained popularity as a novel nanoparticle with theranostic properties. This carbon-based modality is highly modifiable, allowing for conjugation to drugs, as well as tumor-specific ligands in an effort to more effectively target cancerous cells and reduce peripheral toxicity. CDs are being studied pre-clinically. The ClinicalTrials.gov site was queried using the search terms: brain tumor and nanoparticle, liposome, micelle, dendrimer, quantum dot, or carbon dot. At the time of this review, 36 studies were found, 6 of which included pediatric patients. Two of the six studies investigated nanoparticle drug formulations, whereas the other four studies were on varying liposomal nanoparticle formulations for the treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Here, we reviewed the context of CDs within the broader realm of nanoparticles, their development, promising pre-clinical potential, and proposed future translational utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic A Vallejo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ganesh Sigdel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Eduardo A Veliz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Steven Vanni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- HCA Florida University Hospital, 3476 S University Dr., Davie, FL 33328, USA
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Davie, FL 33328, USA
| | - Regina M Graham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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6
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Zhou Y, Zhang W, Leblanc RM. Structure-Property-Activity Relationships in Carbon Dots. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:10777-10796. [PMID: 36395361 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c06856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are one of the most versatile nanomaterials discovered in the 21st century. They possess many properties and thus hold potentials in diverse applications. While an increasing amount of attention has been given to these novel nanoparticles, the broad scientific community is actively engaged in exploring their limits. Recent studies on the fractionalization and assembly of CDs further push the limits beyond just CDs and demonstrate that CDs are both a mixture of heterogeneous fractions and promising building blocks for assembly of large carbon-based materials. With CDs moving forward toward both microscopic and macroscopic levels, a good understanding of the structure-property-activity relationships is essential to forecasting the future of CDs. Hence, in this Perspective, structure-property-activity relationships are highlighted based on the repeatedly verified findings in CDs. In addition, studies on CD fractionalization and assembly are briefly summarized in this Perspective. Eventually, these structure-property-activity relationships and controllability are essential for the development of CDs with desired properties for various applications especially in photochemistry, electrochemistry, nanomedicine, and surface chemistry. In summary, in our opinion, since 2004 until the present, history has witnessed a great development of CDs although there is still some room for more studies. Also, considering many attractive properties, structure-property-activity relationships, and the building block nature of CDs, a variety of carbon-based materials of interest can be constructed from CDs with control. They can help reduce blind trials in the development of carbon-based materials, which is of great significance in materials science, chemistry, and any fields related to the applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States.,C-Dots LLC, Miami, Florida 33136, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
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7
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Sengottuvelu D, Shaik AK, Mishra S, Ahmad H, Abbaszadeh M, Hammer NI, Kundu S. Multicolor Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Environment-Dependent Emission Tuning. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:27742-27754. [PMID: 35967036 PMCID: PMC9366982 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have potential applications in many fields such as light-emitting devices, photocatalysis, and bioimaging due to their unique photoluminescence (PL) properties and environmental benignness. Here, we report the synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) from citric acid and m-phenylenediamine using a one-pot hydrothermal approach. The environment-dependent emission changes of NCQDs were extensively investigated in various solvents, in the solid state, and in physically assembled PMMA-PnBA-PMMA copolymer gels in 2-ethyl-hexanol. NCQDs display bright emissions in various solvents as well as in the solid state. These NCQDs exhibit multicolor PL emission across the visible region upon changing the environment (solutions and polymer matrices). NCQDs also exhibit excitation-dependent PL and solvatochromism, which have not been frequently investigated in CQDs. Most CQDs are nonemissive in the aggregated or solid state due to the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect, limiting their solid-state applications. However, NCQDs synthesized here display a strong solid-state emission centered at 568 nm attributed to the presence of surface functional groups that restrict the π-π interaction between the NCQDs and assist in overcoming the ACQ effect in the solid state. NCQD-containing gels display significant fluorescence enhancement in comparison to the NCQDs in 2-ethyl hexanol, likely because of the interaction between the polar PMMA blocks and NCQDs. The application of NCQDs-Gel as a solid/gel state fluorescent display has been presented. This research facilitates the development of large-scale, low-cost multicolor phosphor for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices, sensing, and bioimaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dineshkumar Sengottuvelu
- Dave
C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, 323 Presidents Circle, Mississippi State University, MS State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - Abdul Kalam Shaik
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Satish Mishra
- Dave
C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, 323 Presidents Circle, Mississippi State University, MS State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - Humayun Ahmad
- Dave
C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, 323 Presidents Circle, Mississippi State University, MS State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - Mahsa Abbaszadeh
- Dave
C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, 323 Presidents Circle, Mississippi State University, MS State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - Nathan I. Hammer
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Santanu Kundu
- Dave
C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, 323 Presidents Circle, Mississippi State University, MS State, Mississippi 39762, United States
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8
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Zhang W, Kandel N, Zhou Y, Smith N, C.L.B. Ferreira B, Perez M, Claure ML, Mintz KJ, Wang C, Leblanc RM. Drug delivery of memantine with carbon dots for Alzheimer’s disease: blood–brain barrier penetration and inhibition of tau aggregation. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 617:20-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.02.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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9
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Zhou Y, Kandel N, Bartoli M, Serafim LF, ElMetwally AE, Falkenberg SM, Paredes XE, Nelson CJ, Smith N, Padovano E, Zhang W, Mintz KJ, Ferreira BC, Cilingir EK, Chen J, Shah SK, Prabhakar R, Tagliaferro A, Wang C, Leblanc RM. Structure-Activity Relationship of Carbon Nitride Dots in Inhibiting Tau Aggregation. CARBON 2022; 193:1-16. [PMID: 35463198 PMCID: PMC9030089 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2022.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to the numerous failed clinical trials of anti-amyloid drugs, microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) now stands out as one of the most promising targets for AD therapy. In this study, we report for the first time the structure-dependent MAPT aggregation inhibition of carbon nitride dots (CNDs). CNDs have exhibited great promise as a potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by inhibiting the aggregation of MAPT. In order to elucidate its structure-activity relationship, CNDs were separated via column chromatography and five fractions with different structures were obtained that were characterized by multiple spectroscopy methods. The increase of surface hydrophilic functional groups is consistent with the increase of polarity from fraction 1 to 5. Particle sizes (1-2 nm) and zeta potentials (~-20 mV) are similar among five fractions. With the increase of polarity from fraction 1 to 5, their MAPT aggregation inhibition capacity was weakened. This suggests hydrophobic interactions between CNDs and MAPT, validated via molecular dynamics simulations. With a zebrafish blood-brain barrier (BBB) model, CNDs were observed to cross the BBB through passive diffusion. CNDs were also found to inhibit the generation of multiple reactive oxygen species, which is an important contributor to AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
- C-Dots, LLC, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Nabin Kandel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY 12180, USA
| | - Mattia Bartoli
- Center for Sustainable Future, Italian Institute of Technology, Via Livorno 60, Turin 10144, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Xavier E. Paredes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | - Nathan Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY 12180, USA
| | - Elisa Padovano
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Keenan J. Mintz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | | | | | - Jiuyan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Sujit K. Shah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Mahendra Morang Adarsh Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Biratnagar 56613, Nepal
| | - Rajeev Prabhakar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY 12180, USA
| | - Roger M. Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
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10
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Domingo-Tafalla B, Martínez-Ferrero E, Franco F, Palomares-Gil E. Applications of Carbon Dots for the Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO 2. Molecules 2022; 27:1081. [PMID: 35164346 PMCID: PMC8840083 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27031081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The photocatalytic and electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 has the potential to provide valuable products, such as chemicals or fuels of interest, at low cost while maintaining a circular carbon cycle. In this context, carbon dots possess optical and electrochemical properties that make them suitable candidates to participate in the reaction, either as a single component or forming part of more elaborate catalytic systems. In this review, we describe several strategies where the carbon dots participate, both with amorphous and graphitic structures, in the photocatalysis or electrochemical catalysis of CO2 to provide different carbon-containing products of interest. The role of the carbon dots is analyzed as a function of their redox and light absorption characteristics and their complementarity with other known catalytic systems. Moreover, detailed information about synthetic procedures is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriu Domingo-Tafalla
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (ICIQ-BIST), Avda. Països Catalans, 16, E-43007 Tarragona, Spain; (B.D.-T.); (E.M.-F.)
- Departament d’Enginyeria Electrònica, Elèctrica i Automàtica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avda. Països Catalans, 26, E-43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Eugenia Martínez-Ferrero
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (ICIQ-BIST), Avda. Països Catalans, 16, E-43007 Tarragona, Spain; (B.D.-T.); (E.M.-F.)
| | - Federico Franco
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (ICIQ-BIST), Avda. Països Catalans, 16, E-43007 Tarragona, Spain; (B.D.-T.); (E.M.-F.)
| | - Emilio Palomares-Gil
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (ICIQ-BIST), Avda. Països Catalans, 16, E-43007 Tarragona, Spain; (B.D.-T.); (E.M.-F.)
- ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, E08010 Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Mintz KJ, Cilingir EK, Nagaro G, Paudyal S, Zhou Y, Khadka D, Huang S, Graham RM, Leblanc RM. Development of Red-Emissive Carbon Dots for Bioimaging through a Building Block Approach: Fundamental and Applied Studies. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:226-237. [PMID: 34914353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, many researchers have struggled to obtain carbon dots (CDs) that possess strong photoluminescence in the red region of light. Success in this area has been limited, although the past few years have brought several promising reports on this topic. The most successful efforts in this area still seem to struggle from a lack of dispersibility/reduced emission in water. This work endeavors to understand the formation process of CDs that do not possess strong performance in an aqueous environment and to improve their capabilities in bioimaging. o-Phenylenediamine (o-PDA) is used along with various precursors in several different solvents (varying acidic and oxidative strengths) to understand the formation process behind the structure leading to red emission that is sensitive to water. These results showed that the combination of acid properties and oxidation is essential for this process, and the important reactions are oligomerization of o-PDA and the crosslinking of these oligomers to form aromatic structural segments of CDs. These CDs are shown to be capable of quantitatively detecting water in organic solvents. Additionally, we have shown that conjugation with transferrin remarkably enhances the biocompatibility of these CDs. Transferrin-conjugated CDs with better biocompatibility were applied to bioimaging studies of neuroblastoma cell lines with N-myc and non-N-myc gene amplification, for the first time. Furthermore, CDs showed versatile bioimaging capability toward a highly aggressive neuroblastoma subgroup of tumors. The importance of creating red-emissive CDs has been well established, and this work is an important step toward understanding their formation and realizing their use in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Emel Kirbas Cilingir
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Giacomo Nagaro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Suraj Paudyal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Durga Khadka
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Sunxiang Huang
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Regina M Graham
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
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12
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Zhang W, Sigdel G, Mintz KJ, Seven ES, Zhou Y, Wang C, Leblanc RM. Carbon Dots: A Future Blood-Brain Barrier Penetrating Nanomedicine and Drug Nanocarrier. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:5003-5016. [PMID: 34326638 PMCID: PMC8316758 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s318732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine due to the BBB's highly semipermeable property that limits most therapeutic agents of brain diseases to enter the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, nanoparticles, especially carbon dots (CDs), exhibit many unprecedented applications for drug delivery. Several types of CDs and CD-ligand conjugates have been reported successfully penetrating the BBB, which shows a promising progress in the application of CD-based drug delivery system (DDS) for the treatment of CNS diseases. In this review, our discussion of CDs includes their classification, preparations, structures, properties, and applications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD) and brain tumor. Moreover, abundant functional groups on the surface, especially amine and carboxyl groups, allow CDs to conjugate with diverse drugs as versatile drug nanocarriers. In addition, structure of the BBB is briefly described, and mechanisms for transporting various molecules across the BBB and other biological barriers are elucidated. Most importantly, recent developments in drug delivery with CDs as BBB-penetrating nanodrugs and drug nanocarriers to target CNS diseases especially Alzheimer's disease and brain tumor are summarized. Eventually, future prospects of the CD-based DDS are discussed in combination with the development of artificial intelligence and nanorobots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Ganesh Sigdel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Elif S Seven
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
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13
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Milenković I, Borišev M, Zhou Y, Spasić SZ, Leblanc RM, Radotić K. Photosynthesis Enhancement in Maize via Nontoxic Orange Carbon Dots. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:5446-5451. [PMID: 33960776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c01094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The sustained increase in leaf photosynthesis may increase crop yield. Due to many limitations, plants use much less photosynthetic capacity than is theoretically possible. Plant nanobionics investigates nanoparticle application in living plants, which improves certain plant functions. We synthesized and tested nontoxic orange carbon dots (o-CDs) for the photosynthetic efficiency increase in maize (Zea mays L.). We applied o-CDs foliarly or by adding to the growth solution. The photosynthetic parameters and content of photosynthetic pigments were recorded. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) were measured to monitor the plant antioxidant response to o-CDs. The photosynthetic parameters' values were higher for foliar than for solution application. The 1 mg/L o-CDs applied foliarly and 5 mg/L in solution increased photosynthetic parameters in leaves. The o-CDs raised photosynthetic pigments. The TAA and TPC results indicate reduced antioxidant activity in the plant organs more exposed to o-CDs, depending on the way of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Milenković
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, 11000 Beograd, Serbia
| | - Milan Borišev
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Sladjana Z Spasić
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, 11000 Beograd, Serbia
- Singidunum University, Danijelova 32, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Ksenija Radotić
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, 11000 Beograd, Serbia
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14
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Wang HJ, Hou WY, Hao YW, Jiang WS, Chen HL, Zhang QQ. Novel yellow solid-state fluorescent-emitting carbon dots with high quantum yield for white light-emitting diodes. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 250:119340. [PMID: 33422881 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2020.119340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence quenching of carbon dots (CDs) occurs in their aggregated state ascribed to direct π-π interactions or excessive resonance energy transfer (RET). Thus, CDs have been severely restricted for applications requiring phosphors that emit in the solid state, such as the fabrication of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs). In this report, novel CDs with bright solid-state fluorescence (SSF) were synthesized by simple microwave-assisted synthesis method, using 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) and citric acid as precursors. Under 365 nm UV light, these CDs emit bright yellow SSF, indicating they successfully overcome the aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching (ACQ) effect. When the excitation wavelength (λex) is fixed at 450 nm, the emission peak of the CDs is centered at 546 nm with the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage chromaticity (CIE) coordinates of (0.43, 0.55), which means that they can be combined with a blue-emitting chip in order to fabricate WLEDs. More importantly, the absolute quantum yield (QY) of these CDs powder reached 48% at λex of 450 nm, which was much higher than many previously reported SSF-emitting CDs and indicating their high light conversion ability in solid-state. Thanks to the excellent optical property of these CDs powder, they were successfully used in the preparation of high-performance WLEDs. This study not only enriches SSF-emitting CD-based nanomaterials with good prospects for application, but also provides valuable reference for subsequent research on the synthesis of solid-state fluorescent CDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Material, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Wan-Yi Hou
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Material, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yong-Wei Hao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Material, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Wen-Shuai Jiang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Hong-Li Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Material, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| | - Qi-Qing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Material, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
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15
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Hettiarachchi SD, Kirbas Cilingir E, Maklouf H, Seven ES, Paudyal S, Vanni S, Graham RM, Leblanc RM. pH and redox triggered doxorubicin release from covalently linked carbon dots conjugates. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:5507-5518. [PMID: 33688879 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr08381j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment responsive drug delivery systems are potential approaches to reduce the acute toxicity caused by high-dose cancer chemotherapy. Notwithstanding the conventional nano-drug delivery systems, the redox and pH stimuli drug delivery systems are currently gaining attention. Therefore, the current study was designed to compare three different covalent carbon dots (C-dots) systems based on doxorubicin (dox) release profiles and cancer cell viability efficacy under acidic and physiological conditions. The C-dots nanosystems that were examined in this study are directly conjugated (C-dots-dox), pH triggered (C-dots-HBA-dox), and the redox stimuli (C-dots-S-S-dox) conjugates. The drug loading content (DLC%) of the C-dots-S-S-dox, C-dots-HBA-dox, and C-dots-dox was 34.2 ± 0.4, 60.0 ± 0.3, and 70.0 ± 0.2%, respectively, that examined by UV-vis spectral analysis. The dox release paradigms were emphasized that all three conjugates were promisingly released the dox from C-dots faster in acidic pH than in physiological pH. The displayed highest dox released percentage in the acidic medium was 74.6 ± 0.8% obtained by the pH stimuli, C-dots-HBA-dox conjugate. When introducing the redox inducer, dithiothreitol (DTT), preferentially, the redox stimuli C-dot-S-S-dox conjugate demonstrated a faster dox release at acidic pH than in the pH 7.4. The SJGBM2 cell viability experiments revealed that the pH stimuli, C-dots-HBA-dox conjugate, displayed a significant cell viability drop in the artificially acidified pH 6.4 medium. However, in the physiological pH, the redox stimuli, C-dots-S-S-dox conjugate, was promising over the pH stimuli C-dots-HBA-dox, exhibiting cell viability of 60%, though its' efficacy dropped slightly in the artificially acidified pH 6.4 medium. Moreover, the current study illustrates the stimuli conjugates' remarkable efficacy on sustain drug release than direct amide linkage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajini D Hettiarachchi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA.
| | - Emel Kirbas Cilingir
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA.
| | - Heidi Maklouf
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
| | - Elif S Seven
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA.
| | - Suraj Paudyal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA.
| | - Steven Vanni
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
| | - Regina M Graham
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA.
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16
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Zhou Y, Mintz KJ, Cheng L, Chen J, Ferreira BCLB, Hettiarachchi SD, Liyanage PY, Seven ES, Miloserdov N, Pandey RR, Quiroga B, Blackwelder PL, Chusuei CC, Li S, Peng Z, Leblanc RM. Direct conjugation of distinct carbon dots as Lego-like building blocks for the assembly of versatile drug nanocarriers. J Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 576:412-425. [PMID: 32460101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As a promising drug nanocarrier, carbon dots (CDs) have exhibited many excellent properties. However, some properties such as bone targeting and crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) only apply to a certain CD preparation with limited drug loading capacity. Therefore, it is significant to conjugate distinct CDs to centralize many unique properties on the novel drug nanocarrier. Considering that CDs have abundant and tunable surface functionalities, in this study, a direct conjugation was initiated between two distinct CD models, black CDs (B-CDs) and gel-like CDs (G-CDs) via an amidation reaction. As a result of conjugation at a mass ratio of 5:3 (B-CDs to G-CDs) and a two-step purification process, the conjugate, black-gel CDs (B-G CDs) (5:3) inherited functionalities from both CDs and obtained an enhanced thermostability, aqueous stability, red-shifted photoluminescence (PL) emission, and a figure-eight shape with a width and length of 3 and 6 nm, respectively. In addition, the necessity of high surface primary amine (NH2) content in the CD conjugation was highlighted by replacing G-CDs with other CDs with lower surface NH2 content. Meanwhile, the carboxyl groups (COOH) on G-CDs were not enough to trigger self-conjugation between G-CDs. Moreover, the drug loading capacity was enhanced by 54.5% from B-CDs to B-G CDs (5:3). Furthermore, when the mass ratio of B-CDs to G-CDs was decreased from 5:30, 5:100 to 5:300, the obtained nanostructures revealed a great potential of CDs as Lego-like building blocks. Also, bioimaging of zebrafish demonstrated that various B-G CDs exhibited properties of both bone targeting and crossing the BBB, which are specific properties of B-CDs and G-CDs, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Ling Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Jiuyan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | | | - Piumi Y Liyanage
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Elif S Seven
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Nikolay Miloserdov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Raja R Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA
| | - Bruno Quiroga
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Patricia L Blackwelder
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; GS/RSMAS, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA
| | - Charles C Chusuei
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA
| | - Shanghao Li
- MP Biomedicals LLC, 3 Hutton Center, Santa Ana, CA 92707, USA
| | - Zhili Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
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17
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Ali HSM, Khan SA. Stabilization of Various Zero-Valent Metal Nanoparticles on a Superabsorbent Polymer for the Removal of Dyes, Nitrophenol, and Pathogenic Bacteria. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:7379-7391. [PMID: 32280879 PMCID: PMC7144176 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b04410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a superabsorbent polymer, sodium polyacrylate, also known as water ball (WB), loaded with Ni, Cu, and Ag zero-valent metal nanoparticles (MNPs) was applied for environmental remediation. WBs loaded with Ni, Cu, and Ag NPs were evaluated for their catalytic performance against the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) and decolorization of methyl orange (MO), Congo red (CR), and methylene blue (MB) dyes. The apparent rate constants (K app) for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP in the presence of Ni, Cu, and Ag NPs were 2.1 × 10-1, 2.9 × 10-1, and 4.6 × 10-1 min-1, respectively, indicating the strongest activity of WB loaded with Ag NPs as compared to the other two catalysts. Similarly, WB loaded with Ag NPs showed the highest K app values compared to the other two catalysts. Among all of the bacteria studied, except Providencia stuartii and Streptococcus mutans, the zone of inhibition of Ag was higher as compared to that of the Ni and Cu NPs, however, slightly low from that of the reference standard tetracycline TE30. Furthermore, the synthesized catalysts were extensively characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani S.
H. Mohammed Ali
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, KSA, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Ali Khan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Swabi Anbar23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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18
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Zhou Y, Liyanage PY, Devadoss D, Rios Guevara LR, Cheng L, Graham RM, Chand HS, Al-Youbi AO, Bashammakh AS, El-Shahawi MS, Leblanc RM. Nontoxic amphiphilic carbon dots as promising drug nanocarriers across the blood-brain barrier and inhibitors of β-amyloid. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:22387-22397. [PMID: 31730144 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr08194a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a main obstacle for drug delivery targeting the central nervous system (CNS) and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to enhance the efficiency of drug delivery without harming the BBB integrity, nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery has become a popular therapeutic strategy. Carbon dots (CDs) are one of the most promising and novel nanocarriers. In this study, amphiphilic yellow-emissive CDs (Y-CDs) were synthesized with an ultrasonication-mediated methodology using citric acid and o-phenylenediamine with a size of 3 nm that emit an excitation-independent yellow photoluminescence (PL). The content of primary amine and carboxyl groups on CDs was measured as 6.12 × 10-5 and 8.13 × 10-3 mmol mg-1, respectively, indicating the potential for small-molecule drug loading through bioconjugation. Confocal image analyses revealed that Y-CDs crossed the BBB of 5-day old wild-type zebrafish, most probably by passive diffusion due to the amphiphilicity of Y-CDs. And the amphiphilicity and BBB penetration ability didn't change when Y-CDs were coated with different hydrophilic molecules. Furthermore, Y-CDs were observed to enter cells to inhibit the overexpression of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) and β-amyloid (Aβ) which is a major factor responsible for AD pathology. Therefore, data suggest that Y-CDs have a great potential as nontoxic nanocarriers for drug delivery towards the CNS as well as a promising inhibiting agent of Aβ-related pathology of the AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
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19
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Zhou Y, Mintz KJ, Sharma SK, Leblanc RM. Carbon Dots: Diverse Preparation, Application, and Perspective in Surface Chemistry. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:9115-9132. [PMID: 31267753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are a novel class of nanoparticles with excellent properties. The development of CDs involves versatile synthesis, characterization, and various applications. However, the importance of surface chemistry of CDs, especially in applications, is often underestimated. In fact, the study of the surface chemistry of CDs is of great significance in the explanation of the unique properties of CDs as well as the pursuit of potential applications. In this feature article, we do not only introduce the development of CDs in our group but also highlight their applications where surface chemistry plays a critical role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Shiv K Sharma
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
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20
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Zhou Y, Zahran EM, Quiroga BA, Perez J, Mintz KJ, Peng Z, Liyanage PY, Pandey RR, Chusuei CC, Leblanc RM. Size-Dependent Photocatalytic Activity of Carbon Dots with Surface-State Determined Photoluminescence. APPLIED CATALYSIS. B, ENVIRONMENTAL 2019; 248:157-166. [PMID: 32831482 PMCID: PMC7434043 DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by a microwave-mediated method and separated by size exclusion chromatography into three different size fractions. There was no correlation of the size with photoluminescence (PL) emission wavelength, which shows that the PL mechanism is not quantum-size dependent. UV/vis absorption and diffuse reflectance spectroscopies showed that the light absorption properties as well as the band gap of the CDs changed with the size of the particle. The combination of FTIR and XPS measurements revealed the composition on the surface of each fraction. The three CDs fractions were separately used in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under simulated sunlight irradiation. The catalytic activity of the as-prepared CDs was found to increase as the size of the particles decreased. Complete degradation of both rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) was achieved in 150 min by the 2-nm CDs. The scavenger studies showed that the holes and superoxide radicals are the main species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of the dye by the 2-nm CDs. These CDs displayed high stability in the degradation of organic dyes for multiple cycles. The 2-nm CDs displayed promising photocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) . These results demonstrate for the first time the application of bare carbon dots in the degradation of environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Elsayed M Zahran
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, USA
| | - Bruno A Quiroga
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Jennifer Perez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Zhili Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Piumi Y Liyanage
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Raja R Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, USA
| | - Charles C Chusuei
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, USA
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
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21
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Seven ES, Sharma SK, Meziane D, Zhou Y, Mintz KJ, Pandey RR, Chusuei CC, Leblanc RM. Close-Packed Langmuir Monolayers of Saccharide-Based Carbon Dots at the Air-Subphase Interface. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:6708-6718. [PMID: 31039318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are zero-dimensional carbon-based spherical nanoparticles with diameters less than 10 nm. Here, we report for the first time CDs forming stable Langmuir monolayers at the air-subphase interface. Langmuir monolayers are of great interest both fundamentally to study the interactions at the interfaces and for many applications such as the development of sensors. However, CDs usually do not form Langmuir monolayers because of their highly hydrophilic nature. In this study, amphiphilic CDs were prepared through hydrothermal carbonization using saccharides as the precursors. The surface chemistry behavior and optical properties of CDs at the air-subphase interface were studied. CDs derived from saccharides consistently formed stable Langmuir monolayers which show all essential phases, namely, gas, liquid-expanded, liquid-condensed, and solid phases. The compression-decompression cycle method showed minimum hysteresis (4.3%), confirming the retaining capacity of the CDs as a monolayer. Limiting CD areas from surface pressure-area isotherm at the air-subphase interface were used to calculate the average diameter of the CDs at the air-subphase interface. UV/vis absorption spectra of CDs dispersed in water and in Langmuir monolayers had the same bands in the UV region. The intensity of the UV/vis absorption increases with increasing surface pressure at the air-subphase interface. Interestingly, photoluminescence (PL) of the Langmuir monolayer of CDs was excitation-independent, whereas the same CDs had excitation-dependent PL when dispersed in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif S Seven
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Shiv K Sharma
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Dihya Meziane
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Raja R Pandey
- Department of Chemistry , Middle Tennessee State University , 440 Friendship Street , Murfreesboro , Tennessee 37132 , United States
| | - Charles C Chusuei
- Department of Chemistry , Middle Tennessee State University , 440 Friendship Street , Murfreesboro , Tennessee 37132 , United States
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
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22
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Liyanage PY, Hettiarachchi SD, Zhou Y, Ouhtit A, Seven ES, Oztan CY, Celik E, Leblanc RM. Nanoparticle-mediated targeted drug delivery for breast cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1871:419-433. [PMID: 31034927 PMCID: PMC6549504 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and one of the deadliest after lung cancer. Currently, standard methods for cancer therapy including BC are surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy often fail to treat BC due to the side effects that these therapies incur in normal tissues and organs. In recent years, various nanoparticles (NPs) have been discovered and synthesized to be able to selectively target tumor cells without causing any harm to the healthy cells or organs. Therefore, NPs-mediated targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) have become a promising technique to treat BC. In addition to their selectivity to target tumor cells and reduce side effects, NPs have other unique properties which make them desirable for cancer treatment such as low toxicity, good compatibility, ease of preparation, high photoluminescence (PL) for bioimaging in vivo, and high loadability of drugs due to their tunable surface functionalities. In this study, we summarize with a critical analysis of the most recent therapeutic studies involving various NPs-mediated DDS as alternatives for the traditional treatment approaches for BC. It will shed light on the significance of NPs-mediated DDS and serve as a guide to seeking for the ideal methodology for future targeted drug delivery for an efficient BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piumi Y Liyanage
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Allal Ouhtit
- Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Elif S Seven
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Cagri Y Oztan
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Emrah Celik
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
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23
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Mintz KJ, Zhou Y, Leblanc RM. Recent development of carbon quantum dots regarding their optical properties, photoluminescence mechanism, and core structure. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:4634-4652. [PMID: 30834912 PMCID: PMC6467229 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr10059d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Carbon quantum dots (CDs) are a relatively new class of carbon nanomaterials which have been studied very much in the last fifteen years to improve their already favorable properties. The optical properties of CDs have drawn particular interest as they display the unusual trait of excitation-dependent emission, as well as high fluorescence quantum yields (QY), long photoluminescence (PL) decay lifetimes, and photostability. These qualities naturally lead researchers to apply CDs in the field of imaging (particularly bio-imaging) and sensing. Since the amount of publications regarding CDs has been growing nearly exponentially in the last ten years, many improvements have been made in the optical properties of CDs such as QY and PL lifetime. However, a great deal of confusion remains regarding the PL mechanism of CDs as well as their structural properties. Therefore, presented in this review is a summary and discussion of the QYs and PL lifetimes reported in recent years. The effect of method as well as precursor has been evaluated and discussed appropriately. The current theories regarding the PL mechanism of CDs are discussed, with special attention to the concept of surface state-controlled PL. With this knowledge, the improvement of preparation and applications of CDs related to their optical properties will be easily accomplished. Further improvements can be made to CDs through the understanding of their structural and optical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA.
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24
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Liyanage PY, Graham RM, Pandey RR, Chusuei CC, Mintz KJ, Zhou Y, Harper JK, Wu W, Wikramanayake AH, Vanni S, Leblanc RM. Carbon Nitride Dots: A Selective Bioimaging Nanomaterial. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 30:111-123. [PMID: 30525487 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to the recent immense attention in carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) as a heteroatom-doped carbon quantum dot (CQD), their biomedical applications have not been thoroughly investigated. Targeted cancer therapy is a prominently researched area in the biomedical field. Here, the ability of CNQDs as a selective bioimaging nanomaterial was investigated to assist targeted cancer therapy. CNQDs were first synthesized using four different precursor sets involving urea derivatives, and the characteristics were compared to select the best candidate material for bioapplications. Characterization techniques such as UV-vis, luminescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used. These CNQDs were analyzed in in vitro studies of bioimaging and labeling using pediatric glioma cells (SJGBM2) for possible selective biolabeling and nanodistribution inside the cell membrane. The in vitro cellular studies were conducted under long-wavelength emission without the interference of blue autofluorescence. Thus, excitation-dependent emission of CNQDs was proved to be advantageous. Importantly, CNQDs selectively entered SJGBM2 tumor cells, while it did not disperse into normal human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). The distribution studies in the cell cytoplasm indicated that CNQDs dispersed into lysosomes within approximately 6 h after the incubation. The CNQDs exhibited great potential as a possible nanomaterial in selective bioimaging and drug delivery for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piumi Y Liyanage
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Regina M Graham
- Department of Neurological surgery, Miller School of Medicine , University of Miami , Miami , Florida 33136 , United States
| | - Raja R Pandey
- Department of Chemistry , Middle Tennessee State University , Murfreesboro , Tennessee 37132 , United States
| | - Charles C Chusuei
- Department of Chemistry , Middle Tennessee State University , Murfreesboro , Tennessee 37132 , United States
| | - Keenan J Mintz
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - James K Harper
- Department of Chemistry , University of Central Florida , 4111 Libra Drive , Orlando , Florida 32816 , United States
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Biology , University of Miami , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Athula H Wikramanayake
- Department of Biology , University of Miami , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
| | - Steven Vanni
- Department of Neurological surgery, Miller School of Medicine , University of Miami , Miami , Florida 33136 , United States
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry , University of Miami , 1301 Memorial Drive , Coral Gables , Florida 33146 , United States
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