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Tissue-Derived Primary Cell Type Dictates the Endocytic Uptake Route of Carbon Quantum Dots and In Vivo Uptake
Pankaj Yadav1, Krupa Shah1, Krupa Kansara1
1Biological Engineering Discipline, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj 382355, Gujarat, India.
Abstract:
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) require systemic biological delivery to advance their applications in drug delivery, biosensing, and bioimaging. We describe the endocytic pathways of green-emitting fluorescent carbon quantum dots (GCQDs) with sizes varying from 3 to 5 nm in mouse tissue-derived primary cells, tissues, and zebrafish embryos. The GCQDs demonstrated cellular internalization into mouse kidney and liver primary cells via a clathrin-mediated pathway. Using imaging, we were able to identify and reinforce the animal's body features in terms of different tissues exhibiting differential affinity for these CQDs, which will be extremely beneficial in the development of next-generation bioimaging and therapeutic scaffolds based on carbon-based quantum dots.
Insights
Green-emitting fluorescent carbon quantum dots (GCQDs) are internalized by mouse cells via clathrin-mediated pathways. This research aids the development of advanced bioimaging and drug delivery systems using carbon quantum dots.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are promising nanomaterials for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, biosensing, and bioimaging.
- Efficient systemic biological delivery is crucial for realizing the full potential of CQDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular uptake mechanisms and biodistribution of green-emitting fluorescent carbon quantum dots (GCQDs).
- To evaluate the potential of GCQDs for next-generation bioimaging and therapeutic scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Studied the endocytic pathways of 3-5 nm GCQDs in mouse tissue-derived primary cells (kidney, liver).
- Utilized imaging techniques to track GCQD internalization in primary cells, tissues, and zebrafish embryos.
- Assessed differential tissue affinity for GCQDs in animal models.
Main Results:
- GCQDs were internalized into mouse kidney and liver primary cells through a clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway.
- Differential tissue affinity for GCQDs was observed in various animal tissues.
- Successful visualization of GCQD distribution within zebrafish embryos was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a primary pathway for GCQD cellular uptake in mammalian cells.
- Understanding tissue-specific affinity of GCQDs is vital for designing targeted bioimaging and drug delivery systems.
- GCQDs show potential as versatile tools for advanced biomedical applications.
