Using the combination of carbon and gold nanoparticles functionalized with concanavalin A for targeted imaging of MCF 7 cells

Abstract

Cancer has long been one of the biggest problems and challenges facing humanity. Despite recent advances, timely and rapid cancer detection is still one of the main goals of research to deal with this challenge. Cell imaging based on fluorescent staining has become an integral part of the modern strategy to provide further insight into cancer treatment. In addition, the use of nanoparticles, especially gold nanoparticles, helps to increase its potential. In this study, gold nanoparticles functionalized with concanavaline A were used for targeted bioimaging applications. Methods: First, smart fluorescence nanoparticles were synthesized and functionalized with concanavaline A. In this project, graphene quantum dots were used as the main material for fluorescence, and chitosan and gold nanoparticles were used in different stages of synthesis. After the synthesis, MNPs-Y-GQDs-CS@AuNPs-SC(NH2)2, in order to make the nanoparticles smart, the concanavalin A macromolecule was attached to the nanoparticles. In general, after the synthesis of the nanoparticles, the physical, chemical and optical properties of the final nanoparticles were examined and then These synthesized nanoparticles were used to photograph breast cancer cells. Results: The results showed that the nanoparticle with an average diameter of 17 nm, zeta potential of -14.4 mV, uniform shape and expected structure was synthesized. The results of EDX and UV-VIS spectroscopy confirmed the presence of vital elements in the nanoparticle structure and its correct synthesis. Fluorescent emission increased with increasing pH. The stability of nanoparticles was significantly high. The synthesized nanoparticle showed no toxicity in the studied cells and its absorption in MCF-7 cells was significantly higher than in HFFF2 cells.