Histidine-derived carbon dots as luminescent probes for detecting apoptosis

Histidine-derived carbon dots (His-CDs) were synthesized to detect staurosporine-induced apoptosis in T lymphoma (Jurkat) cells. The His-CDs were characterized for their physical and chemical properties including size, morphology, fluorescence, and surface functionality. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a spherical morphology with an average size of 11.4 ± 3.4 nm. Fluorescence analysis showed maximum excitation at 338 nm and emission at 415 nm, attributed to the carbon dots' quantum confinement effect and surface defects. FTIR and SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, amine, aromatic rings, and alkyl (C-H) functional groups and carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen elemental composition in ratios of 52%, 24.8%, and 23.3%, respectively. His-CDs were evaluated for cytotoxicity and apoptosis detection in Jurkat cells. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated concentration-dependent fluorescence, suggesting effective cellular uptake of His-CDs. The apoptotic-sensing capability of His-CDs was tested using staurosporine, an apoptosis inducer. A concentration-dependent increase in fluorescence was observed with increasing staurosporine concentrations, indicating the His-CDs' sensitivity to apoptosis. The time-dependent fluorescence increases were noted with prolonged staurosporine exposure. Z-DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 inhibitor, confirmed that the apoptosis detected by His-CDs was caspase-3 dependent, as co-treatment reduced His-CDs' fluorescence in the cell. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that His-CDs are biocompatible, sensitive apoptosis sensors and hold the potential for monitoring apoptotic pathways in cellular systems.