Selenium-Sulfur-Doped Carbon Dots with Thioredoxin Reductase Activity

Abstract

Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is an essential enzyme for regulating the redox balance in cells, promoting cell proliferation, and inhibiting cell apoptosis. The biochemical pathway of TrxR metabolism involves a series of selenium-sulfur (Se-S) dynamic chemistry. Theoretically, nanomaterials with Se-S dynamic bonds could exhibit TrxR-mimetic activities to tune TrxR activity and thus affect the cell activities. Herein, we report the selenium-sulfur-doped carbon dots (Se-S-CDs) synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The Se-S-CDs exhibited good stability and solubility in aqueous solution with a quantum yield of 13.27%. The doping of Se-S bonds endows the Se-S-CDs with great capability of enhancing the TrxR activity and the consequent remarkable promotion of cell viability. The significance of Se-S bonds as well as the carbon dots as matrix were discussed. Moreover, the Se-S-CDs could also revive the cells from the damage induced by oxidative stress. The abovementioned properties demonstrated the potential of the Se-S-CDs for cells and tissues culturing, solving the poor cell viability issue which is desperately needed for organ transplantation, and revitalizing prematurely aging cells especially those exposed to oxidative stress.

Stimuli-responsive structure–property switchable polymer materials

“…The Se-S-CDs increase the thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity enhances the cell viability, demonstrating promising biological applications like cell culturing. 27,152,153 Please do not adjust margins Please do not adjust margins…”

Turning carbon dots into selenium bearing nanoplatforms with in vitro GPx-like activity and pro-oxidant activity

“…In the context of nanomedicine, nanoparticles have found application [16], and carbon dots (CDs) have been recognized as therapeutic platforms [17,18], and heteroatom doping has been proven as a suitable strategy to further improve their properties [19]. Doping of CDs with Se and codoping with Se and S have been reported, and the resulting Se-doped (SeCDs) and Se-S-codoped CDs (SeSCDs) have been shown to be non-toxic, free radical scavengers and display thioredoxin reductase activity [20][21][22]. However, the chemical nature of the Se in these CDs remains uncertain.…”

When Dynamic Diselenide Bonds Meet Dynamic Imine Bonds in Polymeric Materials

“…Additionally, diselenide bonds have also been introduced to a series of different polymeric materials and have shown good dynamic properties. [ 35–42 ] Imine bond is another type of dynamic covalent bond, which has been extensively studied since it was reported by Schiff in 1864. [ 43 ] Imine decomposition, transamination, or imine metathesis reaction can easily happen with the catalysis of a little acid or base; even the residual amino groups can be the catalyst for active imine bonds.…”