Carbon-based quantum dots enhance platelets aggregation through migrasomes biogenesis

TL;DR

This study shows how small carbon-based quantum dots can boost platelet aggregation by promoting migrasome formation and protecting mitochondria.

Contribution

The study pioneers the use of sub-10 nm carbon-based quantum dots to influence migrasome biogenesis and platelet function.

Findings

Sub-10 nm carbon-based quantum dots induce migrasome formation and protect mitochondrial integrity.

CQD, GQD, and GOQDs increase platelet aggregation via upregulation of PI(4,5)P2, cholesterol, and GTP-RhoA.

These nanoparticles demonstrate a novel link between nanoscale graphene materials and migrasome dynamics.

Abstract

While previous research has primarily focused on nanoparticles larger than 20 nm for promoting migrasome formation, this study shifts the emphasis to nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm. Our findings reveal the significant impact of these sub-10 nm carbon-based quantum dots, specifically carbon quantum dots (CQD), graphene quantum dots (GQD), and graphitic oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), on migrasome formation, mitochondrial integrity, and platelet function. We establish a clear correlation between the application of these nanoparticles and the induction of migrasomes. Furthermore, our results indicate that CQD, GQD, and GOQDs enhance migrasome formation by upregulating phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), cholesterol, and GTP-RhoA. Additionally, these nanoparticles provide mitochondrial protection through a process called mitocytosis and promote increased platelet aggregation. This study represents a pioneering effort to connect various types of nanoscale graphene materials with the dynamic behavior of migrasomes, thereby advancing our understanding of nanoscale materials and their biological implications.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-025-04010-9.

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