We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Nontoxic QD Nanoparticles Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 29 May 2018
Print article
Image: Photomicrographs of A549 lung cancer cells; left = untreated; right = treated with quantum dots (Photo courtesy of Swansea University).
Image: Photomicrographs of A549 lung cancer cells; left = untreated; right = treated with quantum dots (Photo courtesy of Swansea University).
An environmentally friendly method has been developed for the production of quantum dot nanoparticles, which have antimicrobial properties and demonstrate potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Low-dimensional (<10 nanometer) semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have received great attention for potential use in biomedical applications (diagnosis and therapy) for which larger nanoparticles (>10 nanometers) are not suitable. However, the chemical synthesis of quantum dots is complicated, expensive, and has toxic side effects.

To avoid these toxic effects, investigators at Swansea University (United Kingdom) developed a non-toxic plant-based alternative method of producing quantum dots, using tealeaf extract. Extracts derived from tealeaves (Camellia sinensis) contain a wide variety of compounds, including polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. The investigators added tealeaf extract to a mixture of cadmium sulfate (CdSO4) and sodium sulfide (Na2S) and allowed the solution to incubate until quantum dots formed.

The investigators examined the biological activity of these CdS QDs in different applications, namely, (a) antibacterial activity, (b) bioimaging, and (c) apoptosis of lung cancer cells. The antibacterial activity of the CdS QDs was evaluated and showed that CdS QDs effectively inhibited bacterial growth.

The investigators further reported in the March 9, 2018, online edition of the journal Applied Nano Materials that the quantum dots exhibited cytotoxicity toward A549 lung cancer cells when compared to a control (no QD treatment). The cytotoxic effect on A549 cancer cells was comparable to that of a standard drug, cisplatin. Furthermore, these CdS QDs produced high-contrast fluorescence images of A549 cancer cells indicating a strong interaction with the cancer cell.

To further understand the role of CdS QDs in bioimaging and the cytotoxic effect in A549 cells, the investigators performed fluorescence emission and flow cytometry analyses. The flow cytometry analysis confirmed that the CdS QDs were arresting A549 cell growth at the S phase of the cell cycle, inhibiting further growth of these lung cancer cells.

Senior author Dr. Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu, senior research fellow in engineering at Swansea University, said, "Our research confirmed previous evidence that tea leaf extract can be a non-toxic alternative to making quantum dots using chemicals. The real surprise, however, was that the dots actively inhibited the growth of the lung cancer cells. We had not been expecting this. The CdS quantum dots derived from tealeaf extract showed exceptional fluorescence emission in cancer cell bioimaging compared to conventional CdS nanoparticles. Quantum dots are therefore a very promising avenue to explore for developing new cancer treatments. Building on this exciting discovery, the next step is to scale up our operation, hopefully with the help of other collaborators. We want to investigate the role of tealeaf extract in cancer cell imaging, and the interface between quantum dots and the cancer cell. We would like to set up a "quantum dot factory" which will allow us to explore more fully the ways in which they can be used."

Related Links:
Swansea University

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
New
Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.