Multiple functionalization of fluorescent nanoparticles for specific biolabeling and drug delivery of dopamine

Abstract

The development of fluorescent biolabels for specific targeting and controlled drug release is of paramount importance in biological applications due to their potential in the generation of novel tools for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in several neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the controlled delivery of its agonists already proved to have beneficial effects both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report the synthesis and multiple functionalization of highly fluorescent CdSe/CdS quantum rods for specific biolabeling and controlled drug release. After being transferred into aqueous media, the nanocrystals were made highly biocompatible through PEG conjugation and covered by a carbohydrate shell, which allowed specific GLUT-1 recognition. Controlled attachment of dopamine through an ester bond also allowed hydrolysis by esterases, yielding a smart nanotool for specific biolabeling and controlled drug release.

Drug development in Parkinson's disease: From emerging molecules to innovative drug delivery systems

“…In this sense, Malvindi et al, [16] combined fluorescence quantum rods with an ester bond with succinyl DA which can be hydrolyzed by cellular enzymes to release the prodrug inside the cells. This DDS was covered with a galactose shell which can be recognized by the GLUT-1 transporters to mediate its diffusion across the BBB.…”

A Forecast of Targeting Leukemia Stem Cells by Nanomedicine

“…This phenomenon is referred to the EPR effect, especially occurred in most solid tumors [80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87]. Because of their nano scale size, the nanocarrier based drug delivery system can pass through blood-brain barrier [88,89]. Investigators found that those carriers can either open up a tight junction or undergo endocytosis to cross the blood-brain barrier, which prevents the passage of most traditional drugs [90][91][92][93][94][95].…”

Critical evaluation of biodegradable polymers used in nanodrugs

“…94 Other formulations designed to treat neurodegenerative disorders include chitosan nanoparticles loaded with subfragments of amyloid-beta, which permeated the blood-brain barrier and were nonimmunogenic; 95 a transdermal nanoemulsion gel containing ropinirole to treat Parkinson's disease, which improved the relative bioavailability of the drug with no toxicity; 96 and dopamine incorporated into a smart nanocrystal conjugated with PEG and covered by a carbohydrate shell allowing recognition of glucose transporter 1. 97 Detailed reviews on current nanotechnology-based delivery systems applied to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease have been recently published.…”