Thymoquinone delivery across the blood-brain barrier using gingerol conjugated carbon dots

Overview

This cutting-edge research introduces a novel drug delivery system designed to transport Thymoquinone (TQ) across the challenging blood-brain barrier (BBB). By utilizing ginger as a precursor, fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) are fabricated and serve as the delivery vehicle. These C-dots are functionalized with cysteamine hydrochloride, a stable amino-thiol linker, facilitating the controlled and efficient release of TQ, an anti-cancer agent. This approach exploits the small size of C-dots, allowing them to traverse the BBB and deliver therapeutic agents directly to the brain.

Technical specifications

• Fabrication Method: Hydrothermal assisted heating in an alkaline environment using ginger.
• Functionalization: C-dots are surface-modified with cysteamine hydrochloride for stable drug attachment.
• Characterization Techniques: UV-Visible and fluorescent spectroscopy for optical properties; FE-SEM for size categorization; X-Ray Diffraction and Raman spectroscopy for carbon content analysis.
• Drug Attachment: Thymoquinone is grafted onto the C-dots, confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and FTIR analysis.
• Size: C-dots are less than 20 nm, suitable for BBB penetration.

Technology readiness level

This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a lab setting. Further development and validation are planned to advance its readiness for broader application.