Bio-multifunctional noncovalent porphyrin functionalized carbon-based nanocomposite

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing advanced nanocomposites is crucial for improving gene delivery and biosensing applications.
• Existing methods often face limitations in sensitivity and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel nanocomposite using reduced graphene oxide, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, CoNi2S4, and porphyrins.
• To enhance gene loading, transfection efficiency, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection capabilities.

Main Methods:

• A one-pot synthesis method was employed to decorate reduced graphene oxide with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and in situ grow CoNi2S4.
• Porphyrins were incorporated to increase nanostructure sensitivity.
• The nanocomposite's interaction with genetic material via π-π interactions, hydrogen bonds, and donor-acceptor relationships was investigated.
• The nanocomposite's sensing ability towards H2O2 and its in situ biosensing capability in cell lines were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The nanocomposite demonstrated optimized gene loading and transfection, increasing EGFP expression by up to 17.9%.
• A limit of detection of 10 µM for H2O2 was achieved.
• In situ detection of H2O2 in HEK-293 and PC12 cell lines was successful, with a minimum detectable Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) concentration of 120 ng/mL.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanocomposite offers a promising platform for efficient gene delivery and sensitive H2O2 biosensing.
• The synergistic effects of the composite materials contribute to enhanced performance in biological applications.