Abstract
Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are proposed to be used as free radical biosensors, as they function as magnetic sensors, changing their optical properties depending on their magnetic surroundings. Free radicals are produced during natural cell metabolism, but when the natural balance is disturbed, they are also associated with diseases and aging. Sensitive methods to detect free radicals are challenging, due to their high reactivity and transiency, providing the need for new biosensors such as FNDs. Here we have studied in detail the stress response of an aging model system, yeast cells, upon FND internalization to assess whether one can safely use this biosensor in the desired model. This was done by measuring metabolic activity, the activity of genes involved in different steps and the locations of the oxidative stress defense systems and general free radical activity. Only minimal, transient FND-related stress effects were observed, highlighting excellent biocompatibility in the long term. This is a crucial milestone towards the applicability of FNDs as biosensors in free radical research.
Highlights
Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are gaining more attention for the possibilities they offer in biomedical research
We investigate the cell’s response to the FNDs in greater depth by evaluating non-fatal changes in cellular activity. For these experiments, aging cell populations were prepared, and after treatment the cells were kept in water to allow chronological aging
Prior to the use of FNDs as free radical biosensors, here we have examined whether FNDs or their internalization had an effect on free radicals and oxidative stress themselves
Summary
Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are gaining more attention for the possibilities they offer in biomedical research. Free radicals are small molecules with a free electron in their outer orbit; a great part of them are derived from oxygen, and some are called reactive oxygen species (ROS). They are important in redox biology and signaling inside metabolically active cells, while on the other hand, when their normal balanced presence is disturbed, they can play an important role in oxidative stress and damage. They are involved in many different diseases, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases and viral and bacterial infections, as well as in aging [1,2]
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