Abstract
Background: Quantum dots are novel nanomaterials with high potential in the biomedical field.
Methods: This manuscript reports the direct aqueous synthesis of Cu-doped Zn(Se,S) quantum dots (QDs) via a microwave irradiation-assisted technique.
Results: X-ray diffractometry measurements suggested that synthesized nanostructures exhibited a Zn(Se,S) solid solution-like structure with an average crystallite size estimated at 3.6 ± 0.3 nm, which was also corroborated by High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. Fluorescence measurements of the QDs revealed a green emission peak, centered on 519 nm, that would confirm the actual incorporation of copper species into the Zn(Se,S) host. The toxicity of light-activated QDs was evaluated in cell lines of pancreatic cancer, PANC-1. The viability assay for the PANC-1 control group after 15 minutes of UV exposure was 83% ± 8%. This value went down to 40% ± 7% and 25% ± 2% after contacting the cells with Cu-doped Zn-based QDs, (50 g/mL), for UV irradiation times of 15 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively.
Conclusion: The confirmed capacity of the QDs to generate cytotoxic singlet oxygen species could explain their observed light-enhanced toxicity towards PANC-1. Accordingly, as-synthesized Cu-doped Zn-based QDs can be potentially considered as direct photosensitizers for bio-medical applications.
Keywords: Cancer, photoluminescence, photo-stability, quantum dots, singlet oxygen, toxicity.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
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The application of nanoscience has brought about a revolution in the field of mechanical engineering by providing novel materials, boosting manufacturing processes, and generating cutting-edge products. The purpose of this special issue is to investigate the enormous impact that nanoscience has had on mechanical engineering, with a particular emphasis on ...read more
Advanced Inorganic Nanocomposites and Their Emerging Applications
This special issue collection will highlight developments on the recent trends about the synthesis of metal oxides, nanoclusters, biomaterials, 2D nanomaterials, nanocrystals, nanocomposites, etc. and their applications in electrochemical systems, tissue regeneration, energy storage and harvesting, sensors, etc. The novelty of the methods in the chemical synthesis and their characterizations, ...read more
Applicability of Nanotechnology for Performance Enhancement of Clean Energy Technologies
Population growth, industrialization, and improvement in living quality would lead to further increase in energy demand in near future. Regarding the disadvantages of fossil fuels such as fluctuations in their price, high emissions of greenhouse gases and restriction of their sources, it is crucial to use and exploit alternative energy ...read more
Graphene and 2D Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
This thematic issue will discuss the recent advances in graphene-based nanomaterials for different energy technologies. Graphene possesses a high surface area, and stable structure and exhibits many interesting electronic, optical, and mechanical properties due to its 2D crystal structure. Graphene is of both fundamental interest and suitable for a wide ...read more
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