Synthesis of Self-Targeted Carbon Dot with Ultrahigh Quantum Yield for Detection and Therapy of Cancer

Abstract

This study aims to engineer a new type of ultrahigh quantum yield carbon dots (CDs) from methotrexate (MTX-CDs) with self-targeting, imaging, and therapeutic effects on MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells. CDs were synthesized via a straightforward thermal method using a methotrexate (MTX) drug source. The physicochemical characteristics of the prepared MTX-CDs were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TEM and DLS revealed which MTX-CDs have homogeneous spherical morphology with a smaller average size of 5.4 ± 2.2 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.533, and positive surface charge of around +3.93 mV. Results of FT-IR spectroscopy and high-resolution XPS indicated the presence of residues of MTX on CDs. Therefore, the synthesized MTX-CDs could be targeted and be taken up by FR-positive cell lines without the aid of additional targeting molecules. In vitro epifluorescence images demonstrated high-contrast cytoplasm biodistribution of MTX-CDs after 2 h of treatment. A much stronger fluorescent signal was detected in MDA-MB 231 compared to MCF 7, indicating their ability to precisely target FR. The highest cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were observed in MTX-CDs compared to free MTX obtained by the MTT assay, cell cycle arrest, and annexin V-FITC apoptosis techniques. Results revealed that the novel engineered MTX-CDs were capable of inducing apoptosis (70.2% apoptosis) at a lower concentration (3.2 μM) compared to free MTX, which was proved by annexin V and cell cycle. This work highlights the potential application of CDs for constructing an intelligent nanomedicine with integration of diagnostic, targeting, and therapeutic functions.

Novel Methodology for Delivering Putrescine into the Apple Explants Using Hormone Anchored Nanotube

“…In the case of the MWCNT-Put-Fl, XRD pattern indicated that the microstructure of MWCNT remain unchanged during oxidation and functionalizing with putrescine and uorescein. Also, the robust diffraction peaks indicates that the MWCNT-Put-Fl possess proper crystallinity which is in agreement with the results reported by other researchers (Ramachandran et al 2013;Subbenaik 2016;Yang et al 2018;Azizi et al 2020). Also, line widening of the XRD peaks indicates that the size of the MWCNT-Put-Fl reduces in the domain of nano range (Ramachandran et al 2013).…”

“…The results con rmed the successful linkage of putrescine and uorescein on the surface of MWCNTs. Current study is in accordance with the works indicating the potential of FT-IR in detection of chemical groups onto the nanoparticles (Jelvehgari et al 2014;Azizi et al 2020).…”

“…Demand for the application of nano-materials in the eld of biology, medicine and food sciences has been recently increased (Azizi et al 2020;Salama et al 2021;Panahirad et al 2021). Many reports revealed that nano-materials could directly in uence the biological systems as promoter.…”

“…Beside the biochemical characteristics of nanoparticles they are gradually exploited as the carrier for primary ingredients for target delivering in biological systems (Azizi et al 2020;Sabzi et al 2020).…”

Smart Gold-Polymer Nanostructures As Promising Drug Nanocarriers For Dual-Imaging Modality And Synergistic Chemo-Photothermal Therapy in Breast Cancer Cells

“…Previously, a new type of MTX-driven CD was synthesized by our research group for self-targeting, imaging, and therapy of cancer cells [20]. Herein, we developed a novel ultra pH-sensitive copolymer composed of poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly [2 (diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate-co-2-aminoethyl methacrylate (AEMA)] copolymer, (PEG-b-(P DiPAEMA-co-AEMA) with atom transfer radical polymerization.…”