Carbon nanodots constructed by ginsenosides and their high inhibitory effect on neuroblastoma

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Biomaterials
• Pediatric Oncology

Background:

• Neuroblastoma is a prevalent extracranial childhood cancer, representing 8-10% of all pediatric malignancies.
• Current therapeutic options for neuroblastoma are limited, necessitating novel treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate ginsenoside carbon nanodots as a potential nanomedicine for neuroblastoma treatment.
• To investigate the efficacy and safety of ginsenoside carbon nanodots in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• Fluorescent ginsenoside carbon nanodots were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method from herbal extract ginsenosides.
• In vitro studies assessed the inhibition and apoptosis rates of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
• In vivo experiments evaluated the effects of ginsenoside carbon nanodots on tumor volume and weight in mice.

Main Results:

• Ginsenoside carbon nanodots demonstrated significant inhibition (approx. 45%) and apoptosis induction (approx. 60%) in SH-SY5Y cells at a concentration of 50 µg·mL⁻¹.
• In vivo studies showed a reduction in tumor volume (approx. 50%) and weight (approx. 34%) in mice treated with ginsenoside carbon nanodots compared to the model group.
• The synthesized nanodots exhibited low toxicity and a favorable animal response due to the use of ginsenosides as the sole reactant.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost ginsenoside carbon nanodots represent a promising new nanomedicine for neuroblastoma treatment.
• These nanomedicines offer a good curative effect with minimal toxicity, suggesting potential for clinical application.
• This study proposes a novel design for nanomedicine utilizing natural bioactive molecules for the development of bioactive carbon nanodots.