The investigative team for this project is a collaboration between LIMM, Bio Lab, and the Center for INOMAR, led by Pham Kim Ngoc and Dr. Nguyen Thi My Lan, along with the Research Group from the Center for INOMAR.
1. Introduction
Bioimaging, also known as biological imaging, is an interdisciplinary field within bioengineering and biotechnology. It focuses on developing, advancing, and applying cellular imaging methods and technologies essential for biomedical research. Bioimaging technologies enable scientists to observe biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels, with image processing and analysis playing a crucial role. This field significantly contributes to the development of diagnostic tools, computational software, and targeted therapies, enhancing the analysis and understanding of biological processes.
Bioimaging encompasses a range of techniques that allow for the non-invasive visualization of biological functions in real-time, minimizing disruption to living processes. These techniques provide detailed data on the three-dimensional structure of biological specimens and are invaluable in both fundamental and medical sciences, aiding in the examination of typical anatomy and physiology. Due to the multifaceted nature of bioimaging research, interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and other fields is often required.
Recent advancements in bioimaging have led to the development of new tools and strategies to address challenges in image collection and processing. Innovations such as non-invasive molecular imaging techniques and automated image processing software are continuously being developed to enhance the field. Specific areas of interest in bioimaging research include biomolecular detection and tracking, non-invasive sensing strategies, multifunctional advanced materials for therapy and imaging, multimodal imaging technologies, smart and stimuli-responsive materials, bioinspired technologies for biosensing and bioimaging, advanced targeting technologies, and nanosensors and optical biosensors (Harsh & Sangita, 2022).
2. Carbon-Based Materials
Fluorescence imaging is a prominent bioimaging technique that visualizes physiological processes by labelling molecules or structures with fluorescent dyes, proteins, or semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). However, traditional fluorescent dyes face limitations such as high toxicity, low biocompatibility, high cost, and low chemical stability. The discovery of carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon dots (CDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), has addressed these limitations and opened new possibilities in bioimaging.
Carbon-based QDs, including CDs and GQDs, are zero-dimensional materials that exhibit desirable properties like low toxicity, high biocompatibility, good solubility, tunable optical properties, and chemical inertness. These properties make them suitable for bioimaging applications. The optical properties of carbon-based QDs can be tailored through size control, chemical doping, and functional group modifications. Doping elements like nitrogen, boron, sulfur, phosphorus, fluorine, and chlorine onto carbon-based QDs enhances their optical properties.
3. In Vitro Bioimaging
In vitro bioimaging involves studying cells from microbes, humans, or animals in a laboratory setting, allowing researchers to explore various biological and physiological processes without affecting the normal functions of an organism. GQDs have been widely used in in vitro imaging research, particularly in cell imaging for tracking cellular processes. GQDs enter cells via endocytosis and are transported in vesicles for imaging. They do not affect cell viability, proliferation, metabolism, or differentiation. Due to their unique photoluminescence properties and excellent biocompatibility, GQDs are extensively applied in detecting and labeling tumor cells for subsequent elimination treatments (Y.X. Pang et al., 2022).
For instance, near-infrared (NIR) emitting GQDs have shown high production yield and good biocompatibility during internalization in HeLa cells. Additionally, GQDs have been used in imaging human primary glioblastoma cells (U87), stem cells, human hepatic cancer cells (HuH-7), osteoblastic cells (MC3T3), ovary cells (CHO–K1), and areolar and adipose tissue (L929). Carbon-based QDs have demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for specific metal ions or chemicals in cells, making them promising for commercial applications in living cells and deep tissue imaging.
4. In Vivo Bioimaging
Advancements in Nanomaterial Synthesis: Recent advancements in nanomaterial synthesis techniques, such as green synthesis and functionalization methods, have improved the efficacy and safety of antimicrobial and antioxidant nanomaterials. Researchers are exploring new materials, such as hybrid nanocomposites and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, to enhance their performance and applicability. Nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles and zinc oxide exhibit notable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Silver nanoparticles are effective in killing bacteria by releasing reactive oxygen species and interfering with bacterial cell structures. Zinc oxide nanoparticles not only have antimicrobial properties but also scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells. These materials are widely used in medical applications, skincare products, and various industrial applications.
In summary, bioimaging is a powerful tool that enables non-invasive visualization of biological processes. The development of carbon-based materials like CDs and GQDs has significantly advanced the field, providing highly biocompatible, low-toxicity options with excellent optical properties for both in vitro and in vivo applications. These advancements hold great promise for future bioimaging and clinical applications, bridging the gap between basic scientific discoveries and their clinical use.
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