Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Cellular Uptake Mechanism of Carbon Nanodots in in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become an increasingly important topic in the field of medical research due to the steadily increasing rates of mortality caused by this disease. With recent advancements in nanotechnology, a push for new, novel treatments for CVD utilizing these new materials has begun. Carbon Nanodots (CNDs), are a new form of nanoparticles that have been coveted due to the green synthesis method, biocompatibility, fluorescent capabilities and potential anti-antioxidant properties. With much research pouring into CNDs being used as bioimaging and drug delivery tools, few studies have been completed on their anti-inflammatory potential, especially in the cardiovascular system. CVD begins initially by endothelial cell inflammation. The cause of this inflammation can come from many sources; one being tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), which can not only trigger inflammation but prolong its existence by causing a storm of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study investigated the ability of CNDs to attenuate TNF-α induced inflammation in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Results show that CNDs at non-cytotoxic concentrations reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, mainly Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß). The uptake of CNDs by HMEC-1s was examined. Results from the studies involving channel blockers and endocytosis disruptors suggest that uptake takes place by endocytosis. These findings provide insights on the interaction CNDs and endothelial cells undergoing TNF-α induced cellular inflammation.

Modulation of Macrophage Polarization by Carbon Nanodots and Elucidation of Carbon Nanodot Uptake Routes in Macrophages.

Atherosclerosis represents an ever-present global concern, as it is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and an immense public welfare issue. Macrophages play a key role in the onset of the disease state and are popular targets in vascular research and therapeutic treatment. Carbon nanodots (CNDs) represent a type of carbon-based nanomaterial and have garnered attention in recent years for potential in biomedical applications. This investigation serves as a foremost attempt at characterizing the interplay between macrophages and CNDs. We have employed THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages as our target cell line representing primary macrophages in the human body. Our results showcase that CNDs are non-toxic at a variety of doses. THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into macrophages by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and co-treatment with 0.1 mg/mL CNDs. This co-treatment significantly increased the expression of CD 206 and CD 68 (key receptors involved in phagocytosis) and increased the expression of CCL2 (a monocyte chemoattractant and pro-inflammatory cytokine). The phagocytic activity of THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages co-treated with 0.1 mg/mL CNDs also showed a significant increase. Furthermore, this study also examined potential entrance routes of CNDs into macrophages. We have demonstrated an inhibition in the uptake of CNDs in macrophages treated with nocodazole (microtubule disruptor), N-phenylanthranilic acid (chloride channel blocker), and mercury chloride (aquaporin channel inhibitor). Collectively, this research provides evidence that CNDs cause functional changes in macrophages and indicates a variety of potential entrance routes.