title: Multi-functionality Redefined with Colloidal Carotene Carbon Nanoparticles for Synchronized Chemical Imaging, Enriched Cellular Uptake and Therapy.
abstract: Typically, multiplexing high nanoparticle uptake, imaging, and therapy requires careful integration of three different functions of a multiscale molecular-particle assembly. Here, we present a simpler approach to multiplexing by utilizing one component of the system for multiple functions. Specifically, we successfully synthesized and characterized colloidal carotene carbon nanoparticle (C(3)-NP), in which a single functional molecule served a threefold purpose. First, the presence of carotene moieties promoted the passage of the particle through the cell membrane and into the cells. Second, the ligand acted as a potent detrimental moiety for cancer cells and, finally, the ligands produced optical contrast for robust microscopic detection in complex cellular environments. In comparative tests, C(3)-NP were found to provide effective intracellular delivery that enables both robust detection at cellular and tissue level and presents significant therapeutic potential without altering the mechanism of intracellular action of β-carotene. Surface coating of C(3) with phospholipid was used to generate C(3)-Lipocoat nanoparticles with further improved function and biocompatibility, paving the path to eventual in vivo studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Santosh K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Misra
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry, and Mechanical Science and Engineering, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Prabuddha
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Huei-Huei
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry, and Mechanical Science and Engineering, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Saumya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tiwari
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry, and Mechanical Science and Engineering, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gryka
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry, and Mechanical Science and Engineering, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Rohit
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhargava
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Dipanjan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pan
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009904:Optical Rotation; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003102:Colloids; D010743:Phospholipids; D019207:beta Carotene; D002244:Carbon