Development of Near-Infrared Region Luminescent N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine-Coated Ag ₂ S Quantum Dots with Differential Therapeutic Effect

Abstract

Aim: N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) is a free radical scavenger. We developed NAC coated Ag 2 S (NAC-Ag 2 S) QDs as an optical imaging and therapeutic agent. Materials & methods: QDs were synthesized in water. Their optical imaging potential and toxicity were studied in vitro. Results:NAC-Ag 2 S QDs produced with strong emission that is tunable between 748-840 nm, were stable in biologically relevant media. QDs showed significant differences both in cell internalization and toxicity in vitro. QDs were quite toxic to breast and cervical cancer cells but not to lung derived cells despite the higher uptake. NAC-Ag 2 S reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) but causes cell death via DNA damage and apoptosis. Conclusion: NAC-Ag 2 S NIR QDs are stable and strong signal generating theranostic agents offering selective therapeutic effect.

Cysteine‐Based Biomaterials as Drug Nanocarriers

“…While, N ‐acetyl cysteine could be used to fabricate hybrid membrane that loaded collagen or other wound healing materials for scarless wound healing which serves as a better platform for scarless skin regeneration . N ‐acetyl‐ l ‐cysteine‐coated Ag 2 S quantum dots was developed as a near‐infrared region luminescent with differential therapeutic effect that reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) but causes cell death via DNA damage and apoptosis . However, the antioxidant effect of NAC is much weaker than GSH and some other endogenous antioxidant agents and enzymes.…”

Enhancing the optical properties of hydrophilic Ag2Se NIR-II quantum dots by using chemometric approaches towards (bio)sensing applications

“…For instance, Ag 2 S QDs functionalized with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) showed emission between 748 and 840 nm, with potential for diagnosis by fluorescence imaging and also therapeutic capacity by promoting the death of cancer cells. 13 The coating of Ag 2 S with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) thiol (mPEG-SH) improved the cellular uptake, enhancing their blood circulation and performance as a probe for fluorescence microscopy imaging. 14 The general synthetic conditions, such as temperature, pH, reagent molar ratios, reaction time, and atmospheric conditions are crucial in fine-tuning the optical properties of QDs.…”