Fluorescent single-digit detonation nanodiamond for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) possess unique physicochemical and biological properties making them suitable for biomedical applications.
• Small size and reactive surfaces of DNDs are advantageous for targeted therapies and imaging.
• Existing fluorescent nanodiamonds often rely on nitrogen-vacancy centers, which are challenging to produce at scale.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize carbon dot decorated detonation nanodiamonds as novel fluorescent probes.
• To evaluate the suitability of these probes for in vitro and in vivo imaging applications.
• To explore their potential as cost-effective alternatives to existing nanodiamond probes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of carbon dot decorated detonation nanodiamonds using various analytical techniques.
• In vitro cellular uptake and fluorescence imaging studies using MDA-MD-231 breast cancer cells and confocal microscopy.
• In vivo biocompatibility assessment in zebrafish during development.

Main Results:

• Carbon dot decorated nanodiamonds exhibit intrinsic fluorescence suitable for in vitro imaging.
• Efficient cellular uptake and fluorescence were observed in breast cancer cells.
• Demonstrated in vivo biocompatibility in zebrafish, indicating low toxicity.
• The material serves as a cost-effective alternative to nitrogen-vacancy nanodiamonds.

Conclusions:

• Single-digit detonation nanodiamonds decorated with carbon dots are promising biocompatible fluorescent probes.
• This novel material is suitable for in vitro cellular imaging and holds potential for correlative light and electron microscopy.
• The cost-effectiveness and scalability offer a significant advantage over current nanodiamond-based fluorescent probes.