Abstract:
A simple method was employed for the synthesis of green
luminescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from styrene soot. The CQDs
were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The
prepared carbon quantum dots did not show cellular toxicity and could
successfully be used for labeling cells. We also evaluated the effects of carbon
quantum dots on the process of angiogenesis. Results of a chorioallantoic
membrane (CAM) assay revealed the significant decrease in the density of
branched vessels after their treatment with CQDs. Further application of
CQDs significantly downregulated the expression levels of pro-angiogenic
growth factors like VEGF and FGF. Expression of VEGFR2 and levels of
hemoglobin were also significantly lower in CAMs treated with CQDs,
indicating that the CQDs inhibit angiogenesis. Data presented here also show
that CQDs can selectively target cancer cells and therefore hold potential in
the field of cancer therapy.
