Exploration of the Graphene Quantum Dots-Blue Light Combination: A Promising Treatment against Bacterial Infection.
Int J Mol Sci
; 25(15)2024 Jul 23.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39125603
ABSTRACT
Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) have shown the potential for antimicrobial photodynamic treatment, due to their particular physicochemical properties. Here, we investigated the activity of three differently functionalized GQDs-Blue Luminescent GQDs (L-GQDs), Aminated GQDs (NH2-GQDs), and Carboxylated GQDs (COOH-GQDs)-against E. coli. GQDs were administrated to bacterial suspensions that were treated with blue light. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by measuring colony forming units (CFUs) and metabolic activities, as well as reactive oxygen species stimulation (ROS). GQD cytotoxicity was then assessed on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), before setting in an in vitro infection model. Each GQD exhibits antibacterial activity inducing ROS and impairing bacterial metabolism without significantly affecting cell morphology. GQD activity was dependent on time of exposure to blue light. Finally, GQDs were able to reduce E. coli burden in infected Caco-2 cells, acting not only in the extracellular milieu but perturbating the eukaryotic cell membrane, enhancing antibiotic internalization. Our findings demonstrate that GQDs combined with blue light stimulation, due to photodynamic properties, have a promising antibacterial activity against E. coli. Nevertheless, we explored their action mechanism and toxicity on epithelial cells, fixing and standardizing these infection models.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno
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Puntos Cuánticos
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Escherichia coli
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Luz Azul
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Grafito
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Antibacterianos
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Mol Sci
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia