Understanding photoluminescent carbon nanodots interaction with Human Corneal Epithelial cells and Drosophila
B N Kumara1, Raifa Abdul Aziz2, M Sathish Kumar1
1Nanomaterial Research Laboratory (NMRL), Smart Materials and Devices, Yenepoya Research Centre and Centre for Nutrition Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India.
Abstract:
The employment of photoluminescent carbon nanodots (PL-CNDs) in biomedical applications is a new trend of research, specifically in delivering and tracking the drug of interest at the target site. On the other hand, the determination of in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of the highly utilized nanomaterial is of utmost priority. In the present work, we described the synthesis, optical and surface morphological characterization, and determination of toxicity of PL-CNDs derived from egg white on the in vitro Human Corneal Epithelial (HCE) cells, and in vivo Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) model. The in-house developed PL-CNDs were blue photoluminescent under excitation at 365 nm and showed an emission peak at 420 nm. Further, HR-TEM analysis suggests the spherical shape of PL-CNDs with a lattice space of 0.26 nm, having a size of 2 nm determined from particle size analysis. The Tauc plot analysis calculated from absorption spectra suggests a band gap of ∼1.8 eV and ∼4.9 eV. The biocompatibility assay (20-250 μg/mL), cell apoptosis (20, 60, 100 μg/mL), and cell morphological (20, 60, 100 μg/mL) studies on HCE cells highlight the cytocompatibility of the PL-CNDs at various concentrations. The toxicity of PL-CNDs was evaluated using an in vivo genetic animal model, D. melanogaster. The oral treatment of 20-250 μg/mL concentrations of PL-CNDs did not induce any significant mortality and climbing defect in flies. In addition, dietary supplementation with PL-CNDs elicits a dose-dependent enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms confirmed by SOD and CAT, and the elevation of total antioxidant capacity. The measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract region suggests the non-toxic properties of PL-CNDs (50-100 μg/mL). In summary, PL-CNDs are non-toxic and have good bioavailability, they can be used for delivering drugs in conjugations due to their nano size.
Insights
Photoluminescent carbon nanodots (PL-CNDs) derived from egg white are non-toxic and biocompatible. These nanomaterials show promise for drug delivery applications due to their good bioavailability and nano size.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Photoluminescent carbon nanodots (PL-CNDs) are emerging as promising tools for biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery and tracking.
- Assessing the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of these nanomaterials is crucial before widespread adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize photoluminescent carbon nanodots (PL-CNDs) from egg white.
- To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis of PL-CNDs using Human Corneal Epithelial (HCE) cells.
- To determine the in vivo toxicity and biological effects of PL-CNDs in a Drosophila melanogaster model.
Main Methods:
- PL-CNDs were synthesized from egg white and characterized using optical spectroscopy and HR-TEM.
- In vitro studies involved biocompatibility, cell apoptosis, and cell morphology assays on HCE cells.
- In vivo toxicity was assessed in Drosophila melanogaster through mortality, climbing behavior, antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT), and ROS levels.
Main Results:
- Synthesized PL-CNDs exhibited blue photoluminescence with specific emission peaks and a size of approximately 2 nm.
- In vitro studies demonstrated the cytocompatibility of PL-CNDs on HCE cells across various concentrations.
- In vivo studies showed no significant mortality or adverse effects in Drosophila melanogaster, with enhanced antioxidant capacity and reduced ROS levels, indicating non-toxicity and good bioavailability.
Conclusions:
- Egg white-derived PL-CNDs are non-toxic, biocompatible, and possess good bioavailability.
- These PL-CNDs are suitable for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, owing to their nanoscale properties.
