1 research outputs found
A Facile, One-Step Nanocarbon Functionalization for Biomedical Applications
Despite their immense potential in biomedicine, carbon
nanomaterials
suffer from inefficient dispersion and biological activity in vivo.
Here we utilize a single, yet multifunctional, hyaluronic acid-based
biosurfactant to simultaneously disperse nanocarbons and target single-walled
carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to CD44 receptor positive tumor cells with
prompt uptake. Cellular uptake was monitored by intracellular enzyme-activated
fluorescence, and localization of SWCNTs within cells was further
confirmed by Raman mapping. In vivo photoacoustic, fluorescence, and
positron emission tomography imaging of coated SWCNTs display high
tumor targeting capability while providing long-term, fluorescence
molecular imaging of targeted enzyme events. By utilizing a single
biomaterial surfactant for SWCNT dispersion without additional bioconjugation,
we designed a facile technique that brings nanocarbons closer to their
biomedical potential