Abstract
BackgroundPristine carbon dots (CDs) derived from citric acid pyrolysis are used in a variety of biomedical research such as imaging and drug delivery. However, potential cytotoxic effects of pyrolysis temperature on cells is underexplored. To address this need, we studied toxicity of the CDs to breast cancer cells using MTT and LDH assays. In addition, we investigated photo-induced cytotoxicity of the synthesized CDs in a wide concentration range under white light. ResultsOur results suggest little cytotoxicity of the CDs after 24 h exposure of cells. Only the high quantum yield CDs caused a significant toxicity to cells at the highest concentrations of 2.0 and 1.5 mg/ml compared to other CDs at similar concentrations. The synthesized CDs entered the cells without any significant cytotoxicity. The CDs also caused a concentration- and irradiation time-dependent photo-induced cytotoxicity. ConclusionThe optimization of synthesis conditions from this study may help develop safe and efficient CDs for imaging and drug delivery.
Highlights
Carbon is an excellent biocompatible, largely non-toxic, and environmentally friendly compound [1, 2, 3]
Cytotoxicity of carbon dots (CDs) in different concentrations to various cell lines has been studied, the role of synthesis process on the toxicity of the fabricated CDs is underexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we study the effect of carbonization degree in the synthesis of four different CDs on cytotoxicity, photo-induced toxicity, and cellular uptake under different experimental conditions
We investigated the impact of carbonization degree in the synthesis of four different CDs on cytotoxicity, photo-induced toxicity, and cellular uptake under different experimental conditions
Summary
Carbon is an excellent biocompatible, largely non-toxic, and environmentally friendly compound [1, 2, 3]. Most of the reported research with simple pyrolysis or carbonization of small molecules involved synthesis of high performance CDs as imaging agents. These methods are economical, simple, and scalable [16]. Pristine carbon dots (CDs) derived from citric acid pyrolysis are used in a variety of biomedical research such as imaging and drug delivery. Potential cytotoxic effects of pyrolysis temperature on cells is underexplored To address this need, we studied toxicity of the CDs to breast cancer cells using MTT and LDH assays. Conclusion: The optimization of synthesis conditions from this study may help develop safe and efficient CDs for imaging and drug delivery
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