Graphene quantum dots: Synthesis, characterization, cell viability, genotoxicity for biomedical applications

Abstract

We report the synthesis and applications of a novel N-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) using hydrothermal reaction between citric acid and p-aminophenol. The synthesized N-doped GQDs have been characterized physico-chemically and evaluated its antioxidant, antimicrobial, DNA binding and cleavage activities. siRNA loading studies were performed and their effects on cells were evaluated. Obtained results indicate that monodisperse solution of N-doped GQDs has been obtained with particles size ca. ∼10.9 ± 1.3 nm. UV–Vis spectroscopy studies of the interactions between the N-doped GQDs and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) showed that the compound interact with CT-DNA via both intercalative and electrostatic binding. The DNA cleavage study showed that the N-doped GQDs cleaved DNA without any external agents. The antioxidant activity of N-doped GQDS was very active when compared to BHT. As the concentration of the compound increased, the antioxidant activity also increased. Cell viability assay demonstrated that the Ndoped GQDs showed cell viability (70%) when the concentration reached 200 μg/mL for A549 and also MDA-MB-231, 150 μg/mL for NIH-3T3 cell lines at 24 h incubation. N-doped GQDs were coated with Eudragit RS 100 and EphA2-siRNA was loaded. As a result of the studies on these formulations, it was concluded that there may be significant effects on A549 cells. The microscopy results revealed that N-doped GQDs was quickly internalized into the cell. Our novel N-doped-GQDs with siRNA are candidate for in situ tumor suppression via DNA and mRNA breakage.

Incorporation of Graphene Quantum Dots, Iron, and Doxorubicin in/on Ferritin Nanocages for Bimodal Imaging and Drug Delivery

“…GQDs showed high cell viability (more than 85%) on the MDA‐MB‐231 cells at concentrations lower than 100 µg mL −1 , while they exhibited similar cell viability on 3T3 cells at concentrations lower than 50 µg mL −1 (Figure S7a,b, Supporting Information). It is in agreement with other investigations, which studied cytotoxicity of GQDs on MDA‐MB231 and 3T3 cell lines . Moreover, Figure 6a revealed the proliferative effect of (Fe)AA on MDA‐MB‐231 cells which significantly decreased ( p < 0.05) by increasing the concentration of (Fe)AA.…”

“…It is in agreement with other investigations, which studied cytotoxicity of GQDs on MDA-MB231 and 3T3 cell lines. [6,7,68] Moreover, Figure 6a revealed the proliferative effect of (Fe)AA on MDA-MB-231 cells which significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by increasing the concentration of (Fe)AA. This observation is consistent with several investigations which evidenced that ferritin stimulates proliferation of breast cancer cells such as MDA-MB-321 cells.…”

Graphene Quantum Dots as Flourishing Nanomaterials for Bio-Imaging, Therapy Development, and Micro-Supercapacitors

“…Precisely, this internalization ability could endow the possibility for GQDs to target the cells and cell-organelles like endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and nucleus [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. In addition, GQDs can attach the DNA via intercalation and electrostatic paths for the applications in bioengineering [ 31 ]. It was also shown that carboxylic groups found on the N-GQDs surface can bind single stranded DNA for the purpose of fluorescent biosensing [ 32 ].…”

CeO2/CuO@N‐GQDs@NH2 nanocomposite as a high‐performance catalyst for the synthesis of benzo[g]chromenes

“…[ 16 ] Metal oxides are a broad class of materials that have been researched extensively owing to their unique attributes and potential applications in various fields. [ 17, 18 ] Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have received much attention owing to their significant features regarding biological, [ 19 ] biomedical, [ 20 ] drug delivery, [ 21 ] photocatalyst, [ 22 ] surfactant, [ 23 ] bioelectronic, [ 24 ] electrocatalytic, [ 25 ] Li‐ion battery, [ 26 ] solar cell, [ 27 ] photoluminescence [ 28,29 ] and bioimaging properties, [ 30 ] and catalytic activity. [ 31 ] Potential applications of N ‐GQDs have been reviewed on the basis of theoretical and experimental studies.…”