Carbon quantum dots with intrinsic mitochondrial targeting ability for mitochondria-based theranostics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Commercial mitochondrial probes often lack modifiable groups, exhibit poor photostability, and involve complex staining procedures.
• Mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy is promising due to the organelle's susceptibility to reactive oxygen species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CDs) with intrinsic mitochondrial targeting ability.
• To evaluate the CDs for live-cell mitochondrial imaging and mitochondria-targeted photodynamic cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• One-step hydrothermal synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CDs) using chitosan, ethylenediamine, and mercaptosuccinic acid.
• Conjugation of CDs with rose bengal (RB) to create CDs-RB nanomissiles for drug delivery.
• Assessment of CDs for mitochondrial imaging, photostability, cytotoxicity, and targeted photodynamic therapy efficacy.

Main Results:

• The synthesized CDs demonstrated intrinsic mitochondrial targeting ability without additional ligands.
• CDs exhibited excellent photostability, wash-free, long-term imaging capabilities, and negligible cytotoxicity compared to commercial probes.
• CDs-RB nanomissiles showed efficient cellular uptake, mitochondrial accumulation, and effective mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy.

Conclusions:

• Novel fluorescent carbon quantum dots offer a cost-effective and efficient platform for mitochondrial imaging and targeted cancer therapy.
• The developed CD-based nanotheranostics show significant promise for various biomedical applications.
• These CDs overcome limitations of current mitochondrial probes, enabling advanced live-cell imaging and therapy.