# Multifunctional Core–Shell Cobalt Oxide @ Carbon Nanodot Hybrid Conjugates for Imaging and Targeting A549 Cells

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a new type of nanoparticle that can both image and target lung cancer cells with minimal side effects.

## Contribution

A novel microwave-synthesized cobalt oxide-carbon nanodot hybrid with ligand conjugation for targeted cancer theranostics.

## Key findings

- Co3O4@CND NPs showed enhanced bioimaging and antioxidant properties.
- Transferrin-conjugated Co3O4@CND NPs targeted 50% of A549 cells with low toxicity to endothelial cells.
- The hybrid NPs demonstrated improved anticancer activity and biocompatibility via receptor-mediated targeting.

## Abstract

The advent of research using drug-delivery vehicles with
nanoparticles
(NPs) in treating and diagnosing lung cancer has created a potential
development in cancer therapeutics. Using certain NP–based
compositions, specifically hybrid NPs, the cancer cells could be detected
with enhanced fluorescence ability and treated using targeted drug
release while minimizing adverse effects. A modified microwave-based
synthesis approach was used in this study to synthesize spherical
core–shell hybrid cobalt oxide carbon nanodot (Co3O4@CND) NPs of a smaller size of around 20 nm. Four different
targeting ligandsfolic acid, heparin, PEGylated silica (SiO2), and transferrinand the anticancer drug doxorubicin
(DOX) were conjugated to the hybrid NPs, and their physicochemical
characterizations were evaluated for their applications. The bioimaging,
antioxidant, biocompatibility, cancer-targeting ability, and anticancerous
specificity effect of the hybrid NPs were examined using A549 (lung
cancer) cells and compared with CNDs, Co3O4 NPs,
and the ligand-conjugated NPs. The Co3O4@CND
NPs demonstrated high fluorescence from their synergistic properties,
leading to a better bioimaging ability in human cells. The Co3O4@CND hybrid NP–transferrin–DOX
composite targeted 50% of A549 cells with a much less adverse effect
on EAhy926 (endothelial) cells at the same concentrations. Increased
anticancer activity of the Co3O4@CNDs and improved
biocompatibility were achieved via a receptor-mediated active targeting
approach using specific ligands, proving the potential multifunctional
applications such as bioimaging, antioxidant, and anticancer activity.
After transferrin conjugation, the NP composite is more anticancerous
to A549 and shows decreased toxicity to EAhy926 cells. The outcomes,
while in the early stage, suggest that the Co3O4@CND hybrid NPs with ligand conjugation are a potential approach
to the development of a multifunctional theranostic agent.