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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging
Published on: October 9, 2012
Photoluminescent graphene quantum dots for in vivo imaging of apoptotic cells
Prathik Roy1, Arun Prakash Periasamy, Chiu-Ya Lin
1Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan. changht@ntu.edu.tw.
Abstract:
Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is linked to many incurable neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and cancer causing diseases. Numerous methods have been developed for imaging apoptotic cells in vitro; however, there are few methods available for imaging apoptotic cells in live animals (in vivo). Here we report a novel method utilizing the unique photoluminescence properties of plant leaf-derived graphene quantum dots (GQDs) modified with annexin V antibody (AbA5) to form (AbA5)-modified GQDs (AbA5-GQDs) enabling us to label apoptotic cells in live zebrafish (Danio rerio). The key is that zebrafish shows bright red photoluminescence in the presence of apoptotic cells. The toxicity of the GQDs has also been investigated with the GQDs exhibiting high biocompatibility as they were excreted from the zebrafish's body without affecting its growth significantly at a concentration lower than 2 mg mL(-1) over a period of 4 to 72 hour post fertilization. The GQDs have further been used to image human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7 cells), human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa cells), and normal human mammary epithelial cell line (MCF-10A). These results are indispensable to further the advance of graphene-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel graphene quantum dot (GQD) method to image apoptotic cells in live zebrafish. This GQD approach shows high biocompatibility and potential for advancing nanomaterials in biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is implicated in various diseases.
- In vivo imaging of apoptotic cells remains challenging.
- Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) offer unique photoluminescent properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel in vivo imaging method for apoptotic cells.
- To utilize plant leaf-derived GQDs modified with annexin V antibody (AbA5).
- To assess the biocompatibility and toxicity of the developed GQDs.
Main Methods:
- Modification of GQDs with annexin V antibody to create AbA5-GQDs.
- Labeling and imaging of apoptotic cells in live zebrafish (Danio rerio).
- Assessment of GQD toxicity and biocompatibility in zebrafish embryos.
Main Results:
- AbA5-GQDs enabled bright red photoluminescence imaging of apoptotic cells in live zebrafish.
- GQDs demonstrated high biocompatibility, being excreted without significant growth impact.
- The method was also validated for imaging apoptotic cells in human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa) and normal cells (MCF-10A).
Conclusions:
- A novel, biocompatible GQD-based imaging probe for apoptotic cells in vivo was successfully developed.
- This advancement holds significant potential for graphene-based nanomaterials in biomedical applications.
- The method provides a valuable tool for studying apoptosis in live organisms and cell cultures.
