Involvement of Surface Receptors in the Uptake and Cellular Responses Induced by Cationic Polyamine-Based Carbon Dots in Macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Cationic polyamine-based carbon dots (CDs) are increasingly being explored for biomedical applications. These ultrasmall (<10 nm) fluorescent nanoparticles, synthesized from organic precursors and functionalized with polyamines, possess a strong positive surface charge that enables efficient complexation and delivery of nucleic acids, making them promising candidates for gene therapy. However, the mechanisms by which the immune system, particularly macrophages, recognizes and responds to these nanomaterials remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of surface receptors in the uptake and biological effects of cationic polyamine-based CDs in macrophages. Our data showed that Fc receptors and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were minimally involved in CD internalization

SUBMITTER: Cerland A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12473518 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature