Carbon dot targeting to nitrogen signaling molecules for inhibiting neuronal death

Free radical-induced oxidative damage and nitrosative stress have been identified as key factors in neuroinflammation responses after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with which reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), especially nitrogen signaling molecules, are strongly associated. Here, we prepared ultrasmall carbon dot (CD) by using a simple and facile method. In vitro assessment experiments show that the antioxidative CD exhibits an ultrahigh target-scavenging effect for nitrogen signaling molecules, especially the highly reactive (NO)-N-center dot and ONOO-. However, CD can only partially eliminate conventional oxygen radials such as O-2(center dot-) and (OH)-O-center dot, indicating CD has a preference for RNS modulation. Moreover, in vitro cell experiments and in vivo mice experiments reveal that CD can reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and lipid peroxidation, enhance superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and GSSG level, and further improve the survival rate of neuron cells and TBI mice. These results declare that antioxidative CD could serve as an effective therapeutic for TBI.