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Self-Targeting Carbon Quantum Dots for Peroxynitrite Detection and Imaging in Live Cells
Yan Bai1, Yao Wang1, Liping Cao1
1Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China.
Analytical Chemistry
|December 3, 2021
Summary
We developed novel carbon quantum dots (CQDs) that target mitochondria for accurate imaging of peroxynitrite (ONOO-). This allows for sensitive detection of reactive nitrogen species in live cells, aiding disease research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is a reactive nitrogen species linked to various diseases.
- Accurate and sensitive detection of ONOO- is crucial for understanding its role in pathophysiology.
- Existing methods for ONOO- imaging often lack selectivity or require targeting molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mitochondria-targeting carbon quantum dot (CQD) probe for selective ONOO- detection.
- To investigate the probe's performance for in situ imaging of endogenous ONOO- in live cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized CQDs via a one-step hydrothermal method.
- Characterized CQDs for size, defects, photostability, and biocompatibility.
- Evaluated CQDs' fluorescence response to ONOO- and determined detection limits.
- Applied CQDs for intracellular ONOO- visualization in live cells.
Main Results:
- CQDs exhibited uniform size, minimal defects, high photostability, and good biocompatibility.
- CQDs showed selective fluorescence quenching in response to ONOO- via oxidation of surface amino groups.
- A linear detection range of 0.15–1.0 μM ONOO- was established with a detection limit of 38.9 nM.
- CQDs successfully visualized endogenous ONOO- in mitochondria of live cells through self-targeting.
Conclusions:
- The developed CQDs serve as an effective, self-targeting optical probe for mitochondria-localized ONOO-.
- This probe offers a promising tool for studying the biological functions of ONOO- in health and disease.
- The study highlights the potential of tailored CQDs in advanced bioimaging applications.
