Abstract
Typically, multiplexing high nanoparticle uptake, imaging, and therapy requires careful integration of three different functions of a multiscale molecular-particle assembly. Here, we present a simpler approach to multiplexing by utilizing one component of the system for multiple functions. Specifically, we successfully synthesized and characterized colloidal carotene carbon nanoparticle (C3-NP), in which a single functional molecule served a threefold purpose. First, the presence of carotene moieties promoted the passage of the particle through the cell membrane and into the cells. Second, the ligand acted as a potent detrimental moiety for cancer cells and, finally, the ligands produced optical contrast for robust microscopic detection in complex cellular environments. In comparative tests, C3-NP were found to provide effective intracellular delivery that enables both robust detection at cellular and tissue level and presents significant therapeutic potential without altering the mechanism of intracellular action of β-carotene. Surface coating of C3 with phospholipid was used to generate C3-Lipocoat nanoparticles with further improved function and biocompatibility, paving the path to eventual in vivo studies.
Highlights
This approach is appealing, additional functionality typically requires additional synthetic steps and costs, more intricate characteristics and uncertain effects in vivo alongwith greater, unknown regulatory obstacles[29]
We report passivating strategies for β-carotene on Carbon nanoparticles (CNP) to produce colloidal carotene carbon nanoparticles (C3-NP) and their anti-proliferative effect on human cancer cells
In this study we proposed a simple solution to the predicted complexities associated with clinical road blocks with respect to reproducibility, cost-effective manufacturing process, and assortment of orthogonal analytical methods for sufficient characterization, a satisfactory safety, toxicity and efficacy profile
Summary
This approach is appealing, additional functionality typically requires additional synthetic steps and costs, more intricate characteristics and uncertain effects in vivo alongwith greater, unknown regulatory obstacles[29]. Owing to the presence of a large number of conjugated double bonds, β-carotene fluoresces in the visible and exhibits intense Raman vibrational modes stemming from the backbone C=C vibrations[36,37] This molecule has previously shown to exert various antioxidant[38,39], anticancer[40,41], and anti-metastatic[42] effects in lung, breast and neuroblastoma cells. For delivery to various cells nanoparticles with lipid membranes have been reported to play a very constructive role in cell membrane interaction[43,44], mechanism of internalization[45,46], and delivery of the cargo[47] In line of such advantages, further, we evaluated the idea of coating C3-NP with phospholipids (Fig. 1C) using physico-chemical characterizations. We evaluated the effect of this process in inhibiting growth of cancer cells
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