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Functionalized Phytochemicals-Embedded Carbon Dots Derived from Medicinal Plant for Bioimaging Application
Windy Dwi Annisa1, Fitri Aulia Permatasari1,2,3, Ferry Iskandar1,2,3
1Research Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesa 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|December 14, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed novel carbon dots (CDs) from medicinal plants for enhanced bioimaging. Nitrogen functionalization improved solubility and cell penetration, with Andrographis paniculata-urea CDs showing optimal results for cellular imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Precise visualization of biological processes requires advanced coloring technologies like fluorescence imaging.
- Intrinsic fluorescence often suffers from low emission intensity and poor solubility, limiting biomedical applications.
- Phytochemicals like chlorophyll and curcumin present challenges due to insolubility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address limitations of intrinsic fluorescence by developing novel carbon dots (CDs) from phytochemicals.
- To enhance the solubility, optical properties, and cellular penetration of these CDs through nanostructurization and functionalization.
- To investigate the potential of nitrogen-functionalized, phytochemical-embedded CDs as effective bioimaging agents.
Main Methods:
- Nanostructurization and functionalization of insoluble phytochemicals (chlorophyll, curcumin) into carbon dots (CDs).
- In situ nitrogen functionalization of CDs using urea to tune optical properties and solubility.
- Zeta potential measurements to assess surface charge modification and predict cell membrane penetration.
- Optimization of treatment dose and duration for bioimaging assays using Andrographis paniculata-urea CDs.
Main Results:
- Nitrogen functionalization of CDs resulted in tunable optical properties and improved solubility.
- Surface modification led to a more positive zeta potential, enhancing cell membrane penetration.
- Andrographis paniculata-urea-based CDs demonstrated superior cell penetration compared to other formulations.
- An optimal dose of 12.5 μg/mL for 3 hours was determined for effective bioimaging.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized phytochemical-embedded carbon dots offer a promising avenue for advanced bioimaging.
- Nitrogen doping and surface charge modification are key strategies for improving CD performance in cellular environments.
- Andrographis paniculata-urea CDs show significant potential as biocompatible and effective agents for cellular bioimaging.
