Fenton-treated functionalized diamond nanoparticles as gene delivery system

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Raw diamond nanoparticles (Dnp) possess limitations for biological applications due to their size and surface properties.
• Amorphous soot matter in raw Dnp can impede functionalization and cellular uptake.
• Improving Dnp water solubility and surface chemistry is crucial for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Fenton-treatment on diamond nanoparticle properties.
• To enhance the biocompatibility and functionalization potential of Dnp.
• To evaluate the efficacy of modified Dnp as a gene delivery system.

Main Methods:

• Diamond nanoparticles (7 nm) underwent harsh Fenton-treatment.
• Characterization of treated Dnp included particle size analysis, crystallinity assessment, and surface hydroxyl group quantification.
• Functionalization of Dnp with thionine and triethylammonium.
• Assessment of gene delivery into HeLa cells using a plasmid encoding the green fluorescent protein.

Main Results:

• Fenton-treatment reduced Dnp size to 4 nm, removed amorphous soot, maintained crystallinity, and increased surface hydroxyl groups and water solubility.
• Fenton-treated Dnp functionalized with thionine were observed in HeLa cell nuclei.
• Triethylammonium-functionalized Dnp facilitated the delivery of a plasmid into HeLa cells, a feat not achievable with the plasmid alone.

Conclusions:

• Fenton-treatment significantly enhances diamond nanoparticle properties for biomedical applications.
• Modified Dnp show promise for intracellular functionalization and drug/gene delivery.
• Polycationic Dnp can act as effective gene delivery vectors, overcoming cell membrane barriers.