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Targeting cell surface glycans with lectin-coated fluorescent nanodiamonds
Mina Ghanimi Fard1, Zahra Khabir1, Philipp Reineck2
1School of Natural Sciences, Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University Sydney NSW 2109 Australia lindsay.parker@mq.edu.au +61 2 9850 8269.
Nanoscale Advances
|September 22, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) that target specific brain cell types by binding to their surface glycans using lectins. This novel method shows potential for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Glycosylation is a crucial post-translational modification in brain cells.
- Altered cell surface glycan expression is linked to neurological diseases and brain cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for delivering fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) into specific brain cell subtypes.
- To utilize carbohydrate-binding lectins to target glycan receptors on brain cells for enhanced FND uptake.
Main Methods:
- Conjugated lectins (AAL, WGA, TL) to 120 nm fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) with nitrogen-vacancy centers.
- Investigated FND uptake in U87-MG astrocytes, PC12 neurons, and BV-2 microglia cells.
- Targeted specific glycans: fucose (AAL), sialic acid (WGA), and high mannose (TL).
Main Results:
- Lectins facilitated FND uptake across all three tested brain cell types.
- Differential uptake observed: AAL/FNDs by astrocytes (U87-MG), WGA/FNDs by neurons (PC12), and TL/FNDs by microglia (BV-2).
- Cell-specific targeting of FNDs was achieved by matching lectin specificity to cell surface glycan expression.
Conclusions:
- Lectin-conjugated nanodiamonds offer a versatile platform for targeting specific brain cell types.
- This approach holds promise for advancing theranostic applications in neurological diseases.
- The study highlights the potential of glycan-based targeting for brain cell research and therapy.
