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Evaluation of Synthesized Quantum Dots in Biological Systems

Graduate #29
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Nanoscience

Kendra Swain - Alabama State University
Co-Author(s): Leena Seasotiya and Komal Vig, Center of Nano Biotechnology Research, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL Kathiresan Murugavel and Subbiah Alwarappan, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India



Recently there is a surge in the Nano-Biotechnology applications for nanoparticles for a wide range of biomedical and environmental applications. Quantum Dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles that can emit light of specific frequencies by manipulating size and shape of QDs. This property of QDs gives rise to their use in many applications. QDs can be of various types. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) consist of single to many layers of graphene. GQDs can also be set to any arbitrary emission spectra which allow labeling and observation of detailed biological procedures. Likewise recently Tungsten di-sulfide Quantum Dots (WS2) is being employed for diagnosis and tumor treatment. WS2 is commonly used as additives to lubricants used on catheters and coatings for orthodontic/pedic implants and wires. In the present study GQDs and WS2 nanoparticles were synthesized and investigated for their toxicity to human cells, HEp-2. QDs were prepared according to the Hummer’s method. The GQDs and WS2 thus obtained were confirmed using UV spectrophotometer, Photoluminescence (PL) analysis and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Hep-2 cells were cultured in minimal media with 10% fetal bovine serum (MEM-10). Cell lines were maintained in controlled atmospheric conditions of 37◦C, 5% CO². The cells were seeded (20000 cells per well) in 96-well micro plates. Various concentrations (0-400 µg/ml) of QDs were prepared in MEM immediately before use. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) using Magellan Plate Reader at 570nm at 24, 48 and 72 hours after QD incubation. We observed 40% cell death at 25 µg/ml and 100 % cell death at 50 µg/ml of WS2. GQD on the other hand was nontoxic even at 400 µg/ml. Based on the current study GQDs can be easily employed for biological assays to produce new or improve methods for bio imaging, drug delivery, and biomarker sensors for early detection of diseases. In future we are tracking these nanoparticles into the cells for further biological use. This work was supported by US Dept. of Education, The Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) (P120A150008) to Dr. Komal Vig (PD) and by NSFCREST (HRD-1241701) to Dr. Shree S. Singh (PI).

Funder Acknowledgement(s): Komal Vig (PD) and by NSFCREST Shree S. Singh (PI). Kathiresan Murugavel, Subbiah Alwarappan, Center of Nano Biotechnology Research, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL; CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India

Faculty Advisor: Komal Vig, komalvig@alasu.edu

Role: The parts that I participated in concerning the research is the MTT Assay and the subculture and plating of the Hep2. The addition of nano-particles to the cells. I also checked the cells using the Plate reader for the experiment.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

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