Graphene quantum dots: Synthesis, characterization, cell viability, genotoxicity for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are promising nanomaterials with diverse applications.
• Developing novel N-doped GQDs can enhance their functionalities for biomedical uses.
• Understanding their interactions with biological systems is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel N-doped GQDs.
• To evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, DNA binding, and cleavage activities of N-doped GQDs.
• To investigate the potential of N-doped GQDs loaded with siRNA for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal reaction using citric acid and p-aminophenol for N-doped GQD synthesis.
• Physicochemical characterization including UV-Vis spectroscopy and particle size analysis.
• In vitro evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial, DNA binding/cleavage activities, and cell viability assays.

Main Results:

• Monodisperse N-doped GQDs (∼10.9 nm) were successfully synthesized.
• N-doped GQDs demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, DNA binding (intercalative and electrostatic), and DNA cleavage properties.
• N-doped GQDs showed good cell viability and were readily internalized by cells, with potential effects on A549 cells when loaded with EphA2-siRNA.

Conclusions:

• Novel N-doped GQDs possess promising therapeutic properties including antioxidant and DNA-modulating activities.
• N-doped GQDs can be effectively loaded with siRNA for targeted delivery.
• These N-doped GQD-siRNA formulations are potential candidates for in situ tumor suppression via DNA and mRNA breakage.