Application of Y-GQDs /PEI-gold decorated SiO2 NPs nanoparticles with Concanavalin A (ConA) for bioimaging of glycan bioreceptor-positive breast cancer cell

Abstract

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with a significant impact on families, communities, and the economy. Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, fundamental challenges remain. Fluorescent staining-based cellular imaging has become an integral part of modern strategies to provide greater insight into cancer treatment. In this study, gold nanoparticles functionalized with concanavalin A were used for targeted bioimaging applications. Methods: In this study, fluorescent nanoparticles were used as the main material, and graphene and SiO2 quantum dots were also used to optimize the properties of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were then functionalized with concanavalin A. After the synthesis of the nanoparticles, their physicochemical and optical properties were investigated, and the produced nanomaterials were used to image breast cancer cells. Before imaging, the cytotoxicity of the nanomaterials was investigated and the appropriate concentration for imaging was selected. Results: The results showed that the nanoparticles were synthesized with an average diameter of 57 nm with a zeta potential of 55 mV, uniform shape and expected structure. EDX and UV-VIS spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of vital elements in the nanoparticle structure and its correct synthesis. Fluorescent emission increased with increasing pH. The stability of the nanoparticles was significantly high. The synthesized nanoparticles did not show toxicity in the studied cells and their uptake in MCF-7 cells was significantly higher than in HFFF2 cells.