Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Herbal Medicine as Therapeutic Nanoagents for Rheumatoid Arthritis with Ultrahigh Lubrication and Anti-inflammation

Carbon dots from purple sweet potato as a promising anti-inflammatory biomaterial for alleviating the LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages

This study synthesizes carbon dots derived from crude extracts of purple sweet potato (CPP-CDs) and evaluates its anti-inflammatory effects in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced acute inflammation model. Characterization revealed that CPP-CDs possess a uniform spherical structure and excellent photoluminescent properties. In vitro, CPP-CDs significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressed pyroptosis, and facilitated the polarization of macrophages from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype. In vivo, CPP-CDs significantly improved the survival rates of LPS-treated mice, mitigated tissue damage, and suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistic studies indicated that CPP-CDs exert anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and the modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Additionally, CPP-CDs exhibited excellent biocompatibility, with no significant toxicity observed in mice. This study provides strong evidence supporting the application of CPP-CDs as a novel anti-inflammatory material, highlighting their potential for acute inflammation treatment and expanding the possibilities for the development of carbon-dot-based anti-inflammatory therapies.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Play a Role In Nanomedicine? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a time-honored practice rooted in natural therapeutics, has served as a cornerstone in safeguarding human health across millennia, aiding in disease mitigation and life vitality preservation. However, many TCM active ingredients suffer from poor solubility, low bioavailability, uncertain toxicity and weak targeting ability. Nanomedicine represents a modern scientific frontier, emerging from the precise engineering of unique nanoscale characteristics, with extensive applications encompassing targeted therapeutic delivery and diverse biomedical fields. Although TCM and nanomedicine diverge fundamentally in historical origins and disciplinary foundations, growing investigations demonstrate their synergistic potential. In this review, nanosized TCM has been revealed as an innovative therapeutic strategy with significant clinical value. Based on the biological activities and structural characteristics of TCM active ingredients, we classify them into two categories: natural nanostructured formulations for TCM and nano-drug delivery systems for TCM. A systematic and comprehensive analysis of preparations specific and functions to two classes of TCM nanomedicines is highlighted. Insights into the advantage of TCM nanomedicines are also introduced. Subsequently, the applications of TCM nanomedicines in the biomedical treatment, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial are summarized. Finally, challenges and future research directions are emphasized, aiming to offer guidance for the modernization of TCM nanomedicines.

Advancements in herbal medicine-based nanozymes for biomedical applications

ABSTRACT

Nanozymes are a distinct category of nanomaterials that exhibit catalytic properties resembling those of enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Nanozymes derived from Chinese herbal medicines exhibit the catalytic functions of their enzyme mimics, while retaining the specific medicinal properties of the herb (termed "herbzymes"). These nanozymes can be categorized into three main groups based on their method of synthesis: herb carbon dot nanozymes, polyphenol-metal nanozymes, and herb extract nanozymes. The reported catalytic activities of herbzymes include POD, SOD, CAT, and GPx. This review presents an overview of the catalytic activities and potential applications of nanozymes, introduces the novel concept of herbzymes, provides a comprehensive review of their classification and synthesis, and discusses recent advances in their biomedical applications. Furthermore, we also discuss the significance of research into herbzymes, including the primary challenges faced and future development directions.

Carbon Nanodots-Integrated Multifunctional Nanomedicine Establishes a Regenerative Feedback Loop between Vascular-Immune-Muscle Systems for Comprehensive Therapy of Critical Limb Ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains a major clinical challenge, with high amputation and mortality rates. Dysregulated intercellular interactions among vascular, immune, and muscle systems in CLI undermine the body's repair processes. Herein, a multiactive nanomedicine, CDs@Zn@l-Arg, was developed by integrating Panax notoginseng saponin-derived carbon nanodots (CDs-PNS), zinc ions, and l-arginine to induce a mutually supportive cycle of angiogenesis, macrophage reprogramming, and muscle regeneration. CDs-PNS, first identified for their potent antioxidative, angiogenic, and macrophage-reprogramming properties in CLI therapy, are further enhanced by leveraging zeolitic imidazolate frameworks as mediators to physically encapsulate them, while l-arginine is incorporated through electrostatic binding and Schiff base reactions. Individual cell culture experiments demonstrate that, through the integration of various bioactive components, CDs@Zn@l-Arg effectively promotes endothelial tube formation and myosatellite cell proliferation and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. More importantly, cell coculture models further reveal that CDs@Zn@l-Arg successfully reverses the detrimental intercellular interactions typical of CLI, thereby enhancing the positive crosstalk between endothelial cells, macrophages, and myosatellite cells. In a CLI mouse model, treatment with CDs@Zn@l-Arg significantly improves blood perfusion, reduces inflammation, and accelerates limb function recovery. Altogether, by establishing a regenerative feedback loop among the vascular-immune-muscle system, this multiactive nanomedicine holds promise for overcoming the multifaceted challenges of CLI, providing a breakthrough strategy for integrated therapy.

Surface moieties drive the superior protection of curcumin-derived carbon quantum dots against retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Despite the recognized neuroprotective benefits of curcumin, its clinical utility is constrained by poor bioavailability and high cytotoxicity at effective doses. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of curcumin-derived carbon quantum dots (Cur-CQDs) for retinal protection against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. Cur-CQDs were synthesized via mild pyrolysis at varying temperatures and assessed for efficacy in rat retinal ganglion cells and a model of retinal IR injury. The Cur-CQDs, particularly those synthesized at 150 °C, displayed significant reductions in apoptosis in retinal tissues, as indicated by TUNEL assays, immunofluorescence localization of HIF-α, CD68, BCL-2, and Grp78, and Western blot analysis for HO-1, Grp78, CHOP, caspase 3, and Nrf2. These results suggest that Cur-CQDs not only enhance cell survival and reduce inflammation but also decrease oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers. Mechanistic insights reveal that Cur-CQDs modulate pathways involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, specifically through the upregulation of BCL-2 and HO-1 and the downregulation of CHOP, caspase-3, and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers. The identification of cinnamic acid-, anisole-, guaiacol, and ferulic acid-like structures on Cur-CQDs' surfaces may contribute to their superior antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Collectively, these findings position Cur-CQDs as a promising approach for treating retinal IR injuries, enhancing curcumin's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, and paving new pathways in ocular neuroprotection research and potential clinical applications.

Eco-Friendly Synthesized Carbon Dots from Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Review

Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts will produce nano-components of charcoal drugs after high-temperature carbonization, and the process is similar to that of carbon dots (CDs). Chinese herbal medicine-derived CDs (CHM-CDs) are a new carbon-based nanomaterial with a particle size of less than 10 nm discovered in charcoal drugs in recent years. CHM-CDs possess a range of beneficial traits, such as minimal toxicity, strong water solubility, superior biocompatibility, and remarkable photoluminescence capabilities. Additionally, they exhibit multifaceted pharmacological activity in the absence of drug loading. Over the past half-decade, numerous publications have presented evidence suggesting that CHM-CDs exhibit a wide array of pharmacological effects. These primarily encompass hemostatic capabilities, neuroprotection, anti-infective, antitumor, immunomodulatory effects and hypoglycemic activity. Notably, they have been associated with circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system, immune system, endocrine system, urinary system and skeletal system. This article systematically reviews the modern pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of CHM-CDs, offering insights into current challenges and proposing directions for future advancements. As such, it serves as a vital reference for the clinical application of CHM-CDs.

Carbon Nanodots-Based Polymer Nanocomposite: A Potential Drug Delivery Armament of Phytopharmaceuticals

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) have garnered significant attention as viable drug delivery vehicles in recent years, especially in the field of phytomedicine. Although there is much promise for therapeutic applications with phytomedicine, its effectiveness is frequently restricted by its low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This paper offers a thorough synopsis of the developing field of phytomedicine drug delivery based on CND. It explores CND synthesis processes, surface functionalization strategies, and structural and optical characteristics. Additionally, the advantages and difficulties of phytomedicine are examined, with a focus on the contribution of drug delivery methods to the increased effectiveness of phytomedicine. The applications of CNDs in drug delivery are also included in the review, along with the mechanisms that underlie their improved drug delivery capabilities. Additionally, it looks at controlled-release methods, stability augmentation, and phytomedicine-loading tactics onto CNDs. The potential of polymeric carbon nanodots in drug delivery is also covered, along with difficulties and prospective directions going forward, such as resolving toxicity and biocompatibility issues. In summary, the present review highlights the encouraging contribution of CNDs to the field of drug delivery, specifically in enhancing the potential of phytomedicine for therapeutic purposes.

Green carbon dots derived from Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisatum alleviate ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects up to 40% of the population, leading to significant healthcare expenditures. Current mainstream treatments, while effective, can lead to side effects and do not address the underlying immunological imbalances. Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisatum (ZRC), the partially charred product of Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR), has been widely used clinically in China since ancient times to treat respiratory disorders.

Methods

Inspired by the similarity between high-temperature pyrolysis and carbonization processing of herbal medicine, ZRC derived CDs (ZRC-CDs) were extracted and purified through several procedures. Then, the physicochemical characteristics of CDs were delineated through a suite of characterization methods. Moreover, our investigation zeroed in on elucidating the ameliorative impacts of CDs on ovalbumin-induced rat models alongside their underlying mechanisms.

Results

ZRC-CDs with particle sizes ranging from 1.0 to 3.5 nm and rich surface functional groups. Additionally, we observed that ZRC-CDs significantly attenuated nasal symptoms and pathological damage in ovalbumin-induced AR rats, and modulated lipid metabolism and type 2 inflammatory responses. They also inhibit PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT pathways, which are associated with metabolism and inflammation. Importantly, ZRC-CDs demonstrated high biocompatibility, underscoring their potential as a novel therapeutic agent.

Conclusion

ZRC-CDs offer a promising alternative for AR treatment and could help facilitate broader clinical use of the ZRC. In addition, the exploration of the inherent bioactivity of CDs can help to broaden their biological applications.

Lycium barbarum oligosaccharide-derived carbon quantum dots inhibit glial scar formation while promoting neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells

Overexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in activated astrocytes following spinal cord injury is closely associated with glial scar formation, which harms axonal regrowth. In this study, we prepared ultrasmall cationic carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via one-step hydrothermal carbonization. Lycium barbarum oligosaccharides were used as the carbon source for the first time, and polyetherimide (PEI) and ethylenediamine (ED) were used as cationic reagents. Interestingly, the resultant CQDs show the bioactivity of specifically inhibiting GFAP protein expression, while promoting neuronal marker expression in neural stem cells (NSCs). Furthermore, CQDs together with NSCs can remarkably improve the motor activity of animals after implantation into the transection lesion of the rat spinal cord. Histological analysis confirmed that CQDs can enhance neuronal differentiation of NSCs while inhibiting glial scar formation in vivo. Altogether, this study represents the first report of producing CQDs from oligosaccharides and investigating their impact on NSCs differentiation, thus providing a paradigm for exploring the bioactivity of quantum dots.

Natural medicines-derived carbon dots as novel oral antioxidant administration strategy for ulcerative colitis therapy

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal inflammation, resulting in a global healthcare challenge with no real specific medicine. Natural medicines are recognized as a potential clinical alternative therapy, but their applications are limited by poor solubility and low bioavailability.

RESULTS

In this work, inspired by the natural medicines of ancient China, novel functional carbon dots derived from Magnetite and Medicated Leaven (MML-CDs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method, and confirmed their ultrasmall nano-size (3.2 ± 0.6 nm) and Fe doped surface structure, thereby with excellent gastrointestinal stability, remarkable capabilities in eliminating ROS, and highly biocompatibility. With no external stimuli, the oral administration of MML-CDs demonstrated obvious alleviation to UC. Further experiments pointed that MML-CDs could improve hemostasis capability, suppress inflammation reactions and oxidative stress, and up-regulate the expression of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, MML-CDs also showed well regulation in the dysbiosis of intestinal flora.

CONCLUSION

Overall, above evidence reveals that green-synthesized MML-CDs can significantly alleviate intestinal bleeding, inhibit colon inflammation, and repair colonic barrier damage, further regulating intestinal flora and intestinal inflammation microenvironment. Our findings provide an efficient oral administration of MML-CDs as a novel therapy strategy for ulcerative colitis.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles: From Classification to Application and Toxicity

Nanoparticles are structures that possess unique properties with high surface area-to-volume ratio. Their small size, up to 100 nm, and potential for surface modifications have enabled their use in a wide range of applications. Various factors influence the properties and applications of NPs, including the synthesis method and physical attributes such as size and shape. Additionally, the materials used in the synthesis of NPs are primary determinants of their application. Based on the chosen material, NPs are generally classified into three categories: organic, inorganic, and carbon-based. These categories include a variety of materials, such as proteins, polymers, metal ions, lipids and derivatives, magnetic minerals, and so on. Each material possesses unique attributes that influence the activity and application of the NPs. Consequently, certain NPs are typically used in particular areas because they possess higher efficiency along with tenable toxicity. Therefore, the classification and the base material in the NP synthesis hold significant importance in both NP research and application. In this paper, we discuss these classifications, exemplify most of the major materials, and categorize them according to their preferred area of application. This review provides an overall review of the materials, including their application, and toxicity.

Nanotechnology-empowered combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: principles, strategies, and challenges

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with multifactorial etiology and intricate pathogenesis. In RA, repeated monotherapy is frequently associated with inadequate efficacy, drug resistance, and severe side effects. Therefore, a shift has occurred in clinical practice toward combination therapy. However, conventional combination therapy encounters several hindrances, including low selectivity to arthritic joints, short half-lives, and varying pharmacokinetics among coupled drugs. Emerging nanotechnology offers an incomparable opportunity for developing advanced combination therapy against RA. First, it allows for co-delivering multiple drugs with augmented physicochemical properties, targeted delivery capabilities, and controlled release profiles. Second, it enables therapeutic nanomaterials development, thereby expanding combination regimens to include multifunctional nanomedicines. Lastly, it facilitates the construction of all-in-one nanoplatforms assembled with multiple modalities, such as phototherapy, sonodynamic therapy, and imaging. Thus, nanotechnology offers a promising solution to the current bottleneck in both RA treatment and diagnosis. This review summarizes the rationale, advantages, and recent advances in nano-empowered combination therapy for RA. It also discusses safety considerations, drug-drug interactions, and the potential for clinical translation. Additionally, it provides design tips and an outlook on future developments in nano-empowered combination therapy. The objective of this review is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying combination therapy for RA and unlock the maximum potential of nanotechnology, thereby facilitating the smooth transition of research findings from the laboratory to clinical practice.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on the Inherent Bioactivity of Black Phosphorus Nanosheets

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the living quality of patients, especially the elderly population. RA-related morbidity and mortality increase significantly with age, while current clinical drugs for RA are far from satisfactory and may have serious side effects. Therefore, the development of new drugs with higher biosafety and efficacy is demanding. Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) have been widely studied because of their excellent biocompatibility. Here, we focus on the inherent bioactivity of BPNSs, report the potential of BPNSs as a therapeutic drug for RA and elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanism. We find that BPNSs inhibit autophagy at an early stage via the AMPK-mTOR pathway, switch the energy metabolic pathway to oxidative phosphorylation, increase intracellular ATP levels, suppress apoptosis, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and down-regulate senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related genes in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RA-SFs). Further, BPNSs induce the apoptosis of macrophages and promote their transition from the M1 to the M2 phenotype by regulating related cytokines. Significantly, the administration of BPNSs can alleviate key pathological features of RA in mice, revealing great therapeutic potential. This study provides a novel option for treating RA, with BPNSs emerging as a promising therapeutic candidate.

Design of Ratio-Fluorescence Nanohybrid Based on Radix Hedysari Green-Synthesized CDs and GSH-AuNCs for Sensitive Detection of Cefodizime Sodium in Urine Sample

A dual-emission ratio-fluorescent sensing nanohybrid based on Radix Hedysari green-synthesized carbon quantum dots (CDs) and glutathione-functionalized gold nanoclusters (GSH-AuNCs) had been developed for the determination of cefodizime sodium (CDZM). The designed fluorescence nanohybrid had two significant fluorescence emission peaks at 458 nm and 569 nm when excited at 360 nm, which was attributed to the CDs and GSH-AuNCs. With the addition of CDZM, the fluorescence at 458 nm was slightly weakened while the fluorescence at 569 nm was enhanced obviously. Based on the relationship between the I569/I458 fluorescence intensity ratio and the concentration of CDZM, the designed nanohybrid exhibited a good linearity range of 1.0-1000.0 μM and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.19 μM. The method was finally applied in the detection of CDZM in urine, showing the potential applications in complicated biological samples.

Nanotechnology's frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment

Inflammation-associated diseases encompass a range of infectious diseases and non-infectious inflammatory diseases, which continuously pose one of the most serious threats to human health, attributed to factors such as the emergence of new pathogens, increasing drug resistance, changes in living environments and lifestyles, and the aging population. Despite rapid advancements in mechanistic research and drug development for these diseases, current treatments often have limited efficacy and notable side effects, necessitating the development of more effective and targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has provided crucial technological support for the prevention, treatment, and detection of inflammation-associated diseases. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) play significant roles, serving as vaccine vehicles to enhance immunogenicity and as drug carriers to improve targeting and bioavailability. NPs can also directly combat pathogens and inflammation. In addition, nanotechnology has facilitated the development of biosensors for pathogen detection and imaging techniques for inflammatory diseases. This review categorizes and characterizes different types of NPs, summarizes their applications in the prevention, treatment, and detection of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It also discusses the challenges associated with clinical translation in this field and explores the latest developments and prospects. In conclusion, nanotechnology opens up new possibilities for the comprehensive management of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Natural biomass-derived carbon dots as a potent solubilizer with high biocompatibility and enhanced antioxidant activity

Numerous natural compounds exhibit low bioavailability due to suboptimal water solubility. The solubilization methods of the modern pharmaceutical industry in contemporary pharmaceutical research are restricted by low efficiency, sophisticated technological requirements, and latent adverse effects. There is a pressing need to elucidate and implement a novel solubilizer to ameliorate these challenges. This study identified natural biomass-derived carbon dots as a promising candidate. We report on natural fluorescent carbon dots derived from Aurantia Fructus Immatures (AFI-CDs), which have exhibited a remarkable solubilization effect, augmenting naringin (NA) solubility by a factor of 216.72. Subsequent analyses suggest that the solubilization mechanism is potentially contingent upon the oration of a nanostructured complex (NA-AFI-CDs) between AFI-CDs and NA, mediated by intermolecular non-covalent bonds. Concomitantly, the synthesized NA-AFI-CDs demonstrated high biocompatibility, exceptional stability, and dispersion. In addition, NA-AFI-CDs manifested superior free radical scavenging capacity. This research contributes foundational insights into the solubilization mechanism of naringin-utilizing AFI-CDs and proffers a novel strategy that circumvents the challenges associated with the low aqueous solubility of water-insoluble drugs in the field of modern pharmaceutical science.