Demonstration of the lack of cytotoxicity of unmodified and folic acid modified graphene oxide quantum dots, and their application to fluorescence lifetime imaging of HaCaT cells

The authors describe the synthesis of water-soluble and fluorescent graphene oxide quantum dots via acid exfoliation of graphite nanoparticles. The resultant graphene oxide quantum dots (GoQDs) were then modified with folic acid. Folic acid receptors are overexpressed in cancer cells and hence can b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mikrochimica acta (1966) 2018-02, Vol.185 (2), p.128-7, Article 128
Main Authors: Goreham, Renee V., Schroeder, Kathryn L., Holmes, Amy, Bradley, Siobhan J., Nann, Thomas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acids
Analytical Chemistry
Characterization and Evaluation of Materials
Chemistry
Chemistry and Materials Science
Fluorescence
Folic acid
Graphene
Graphite
Medical imaging
Microengineering
Nanochemistry
Nanotechnology
Original Paper
Quantum dots
Receptors
Toxicity
Vitamin B
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Summary:The authors describe the synthesis of water-soluble and fluorescent graphene oxide quantum dots via acid exfoliation of graphite nanoparticles. The resultant graphene oxide quantum dots (GoQDs) were then modified with folic acid. Folic acid receptors are overexpressed in cancer cells and hence can bind to functionalized graphene oxide quantum dots. On excitation at 305 nm, the GoQDs display green fluorescence with a peak wavelength at ~520 nm. The modified GoQDs are non-toxic to macrophage cells even after prolonged exposure and high concentrations. Fluorescence lifetime imaging and multiphoton microscopy was used (in combination) to image HeCaT cells exposed to GoQDs, resulting in a superior method for bioimaging. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of graphene oxide quantum dots, folic acid modified graphene oxide quantum dots (red), and the use of fluorescence lifetime to discriminate against green auto-fluorescence of HeCaT cells.
ISSN:0026-3672
1436-5073
DOI:10.1007/s00604-018-2679-8