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Tryptophan-sorbitol based carbon quantum dots for theranostics against hepatocellular carcinoma
Yang Wang1,2,3, Jun Chen1,3,4, Jiekang Tian5
1Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.
Journal of Nanobiotechnology
|February 15, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed trichrome-tryptophan-sorbitol carbon quantum dots (CQDs) that target and inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inducing autophagy. These CQDs offer a promising theranostic approach for HCC, integrating diagnosis and therapy with minimal toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis and treatment remain challenging despite advances in therapies.
- Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) show potential as theranostic nanomaterials for cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate bio-friendly CQDs for targeted HCC diagnosis and therapy.
- To investigate the mechanism of HCC inhibition by the developed CQDs.
Main Methods:
- One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of trichrome-tryptophan-sorbitol CQDs (TC-WS-CQDs) from tryptophan.
- In vitro and in vivo studies to assess TC-WS-CQDs' targeting ability, ROS generation, autophagy induction, and tumor inhibition.
- Evaluation of the p53-AMPK pathway in TC-WS-CQDs-induced autophagy.
Main Results:
- TC-WS-CQDs exhibited green fluorescence, enabling specific targeting and detection of HCC cells over normal hepatocytes.
- Green-emitting TC-WS-CQDs induced significant autophagy in HCC cells by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- TC-WS-CQDs demonstrated substantial tumor inhibition in vitro and in vivo via autophagy induction through the p53-AMPK pathway, with negligible systemic toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The developed TC-WS-CQDs represent a promising nanotheranostic strategy for HCC, combining diagnosis, targeted therapy, and minimal toxicity.
- This approach highlights the potential of integrating imaging and therapeutic functions in nanomaterials for effective cancer treatment.
