Collagen derived carbon quantum dots for cell imaging in 3D scaffolds via two-photon spectroscopy. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dehghani, Alireza; Ardekani, Sara Madadi; Hassan, Mahbub; Gomes, Vincent G.
• Is Part Of: Carbon. Volume 131(2018)
• Page Start: 238
• Page End: 245
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Collagen -- Quantum dot -- Scaffold -- Bioimaging -- Multiphoton confocal microscopy; Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbone -- Périodiques; Koolstof; Toepassingen; Electronic journals; 546.681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2018.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6223

Abstract

Abstract: Biocompatible and photostable fluorescent probes are crucial yet challenging to develop for visualising and tracking biological functions and interactions that occur in living organisms. We synthesised biocompatible CQDs with 15% QY and tested them for cellular and scaffold imaging at variable depths. The CQDs, synthesised from collagen under controlled and benign conditions in a hydrothermal reactor, were characterised for their key physicochemical properties. The fluorescence characteristics were determined using two-photon microscopy, and based on our results we propose a mechanism for CQD luminescence by combining the carbogenic core and edge-effect contributions to the PL behaviour. The bioimaging of cells embedded in a luminescent 3D printed scaffold showed that CQDs enable imaging at depths of about 1500 μm under biomimetic conditions. Real-time videography and imaging tests showed differential visualisation of individual cells and scaffold. The excellent photostability and non-photobleaching characteristics of CQDs make them suitable for long-term whole cell and tissue imaging via multi-photon microscopy. Graphical abstract: Image 1