Nanodiamond–Coumarin Complexes: Spectral-Luminescence Properties and Interaction with Macrophages

Abstract

Model studies on Coumarin 343–detonation nanodiamond complexes are described. The complexation of coumarin molecules with diamond nanoparticles due to covalent bonding leads to a considerable change in their spectral-luminescence properties, which makes it possible to distinguish between the behaviors of a free dye and a bound luminophore in the studied objects, in particular, in cell cultures. Experiments with an acute monocytic human leukemia culture show that the studied diamond nanocomplexes are easily captured by the cells and visualized in them; therefore, these complexes can be used to transport photocontrolled reagents and, ultimately, new drugs.