Silver@quercetin Nanoparticles with Aggregation-Induced Emission for Bioimaging In Vitro and In Vivo

Abstract

Fluorescent materials based on aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have unique advantages for in situ and real-time monitoring of biomolecules and biological processes because of their high luminescence intensity and resistance to photobleaching. Unfortunately, many AIEgens require time-consuming and expensive syntheses, and the presence of residual toxic reagents reduces their biocompatibility. Herein, silver@quercetin nanoparticles (Ag@QCNPs), which have a clear core–shell structure, were prepared by redox reaction of quercetin (QC), a polyphenolic compound widely obtained from plants, including those used as foods, and silver ions. Ag@QCNPs show both aggregation-induced luminescence and the distinct plasma scattering of silver nanoparticles, as well as good resistance to photobleaching and biocompatibility. The Ag@QCNPs were successfully used for cytoplasmic labeling of living cells and for computerized tomography imaging in tumor-bearing mice, demonstrating their potential for clinical applications.

Chitosan in Oral Drug Delivery Formulations: A Review

“…Aloe vera + Chitosan + polycaprolactone Nanofiber Antibacterial [92] Aloe marlothii gel + Chitosan Nanoparticles Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic [93] Chitosan + Aloe vera Silver Nanoparticles Enhanced physiochemical properties [94] Aloe vera + Chitosan + Dextran sulfate + Eucalyptus extract Nano-hydrogel Antibacterial [95] Aloe vera + Chitosan + Minoxidil Nanocomposite Alopecia therapy [96] 5.2. Quercetin Quercetin (QC) is a flavonoid derived from plants and is present in fruits and vegetables in high amounts [97]. One of the most important medicinal properties of QC is its anticancer activity [98].…”

“…Quercetin (QC) is a flavonoid derived from plants and is present in fruits and vegetables in high amounts [ 97 ]. One of the most important medicinal properties of QC is its anticancer activity [ 98 ].…”

Metal Nanoparticle-Flavonoid Connections: Synthesis, Physicochemical and Biological Properties, as Well as Potential Applications in Medicine

“…Silver@quercetin nanoparticles (Ag@QCNPs) were prepared by adding quercetin (QUR) to an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution, resulting in the development of a biocompatible and photostable AIEgen for in situ and real-time monitoring of biomolecules and biological processes [52]. According to the TEM imaging, the nanoparticles were composed of a 35-nm silver core and a QUR shell.…”

“…Moreover, when in co-administration with zinc(II) ions they exhibit antiviral activity [47]; furthermore, when combined with gold, antiparasitic activity was observed [48]. Silver@quercetin nanoparticles were proposed as luminogens for the monitoring of biomolecules [52] due to their ability to accumulate in the tumor site, whereas silver@myricetin [50] might be useful in the treatment of human colorectal cancer. Double-functionalized AgNPs with curcumin and quercetin seem to offer a promising anti-inflammatory nanocure [53].…”

Bio-Nanohybrid Gelatin/Quantum Dots for Cellular Imaging and Biosensing Applications

“…Cellular imaging and biosensing technology have gained great interest in various therapeutic applications including cell imaging, biosensor, diagnostic and drug delivery systems [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. In recent years, several inventive designs for various cellular imaging and sensor biomaterials have been developed.…”