Carbon Dot Nanotherapeutics Modulating the Polyol Pathway and Targeting Infection Pathogens Associated with Diabetic Complications
Summary: This study synthesizes nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-HCD from hexamethylenediamine, N-ECD from ethylenediamine) via hydrothermal method and evaluates their dual role in modulating diabetic complications. The dots significantly inhibit aldose reductase (AR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in ex vivo kidney tissue from STZ-induced diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner, reducing polyol pathway flux and associated oxidative stress that contributes to delayed wound healing in diabetes. They also exhibit selective bacteriostatic activity against Enterococcus faecalis (common in diabetic foot infections), with inhibition zones of 11.5–13 mm at 50 µg/mL and no effect on other tested bacteria (S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae). In silico docking shows strong binding to AR active site residues. Biocompatible and low-toxicity profile. Suggests potential as a multifunctional nanotherapeutic for managing hyperglycemia-driven metabolic stress and polymicrobial infections in diabetic foot ulcers and chronic wounds.
Key Highlights:
- Dose-dependent inhibition of AR and SDH in diabetic tissue
- Selective bacteriostatic effect against E. faecalis (11.5–13 mm zones)
- Favorable in silico binding to AR residues
- Biocompatible; no activity against other common pathogens
- Dual metabolic + antimicrobial potential for DFU management
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Keywords: carbon dots, polyol pathway, diabetic foot ulcer, Imane Nait Irahal, Noureddine Bourhim