Graphene quantum dots as autophagy-inducing photodynamic agents
2012
Authors:
Marković, Zoran M.Ristić, Biljana Z.
Arsikin, Katarina M.
Klisić, Đorđe G.
Harhaji-Trajković, Ljubica
Todorović-Marković, Biljana M.
Kepić, Dejan P.
Kravić-Stevović, Tamara K.
Jovanović, Svetlana P.
Milenković, Marina M.
Milivojević, Dusan D.
Bumbaširević, Vladimir Z.
Dramićanin, Miroslav D.
Trajković, Vladimir S.
Document Type:
Article (Published version)
,
© 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract:
The excellent photoluminescent properties of graphene quantum dots (GQD) makes them suitable candidates for biomedical applications, but their cytotoxicity has not been extensively studied. Here we show that electrochemically produced GQD irradiated with blue light (470. nm, 1. W) generate reactive oxygen species, including singlet oxygen, and kill U251 human glioma cells by causing oxidative stress. The cell death induced by photoexcited GQD displayed morphological and/or biochemical characteristics of both apoptosis (phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase activation, DNA fragmentation) and autophagy (formation of autophagic vesicles, LC3-I/LC3-II conversion, degradation of autophagic target p62). Moreover, a genetic inactivation of autophagy-essential LC3B protein partly abrogated the photodynamic cytotoxicity of GQD. These data indicate potential usefulness of GQD in photodynamic therapy, but also raise concerns about their possible toxicity.
Keywords:
Apoptosis; Carbon; Cytotoxicity; Nanoparticle; PhotosensitisationSource:
Biomaterials, 2012, 33, 29, 7084-7092Funding / projects:
- Modulation of intracellular energy balance-controlling signalling pathways in therapy of cancer and neuro-immuno-endocrine disorders (RS-MESTD-Integrated and Interdisciplinary Research (IIR or III)-41025)
- Thin films of single wall carbon nanotubes and graphene for electronic application (RS-MESTD-Basic Research (BR or ON)-172003)
- The role of autophagy in regulation of cancer cell death (RS-MESTD-Basic Research (BR or ON)-173053)
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.06.060
ISSN: 0142-9612
PubMed: 22795854