Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Feb. 15, 2023

Recently, scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology said that fluorescent carbon nanomaterial-based immunosensor from natural sources can help in the detection of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

About Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor:

  • It is a factor that promotes angiogenesis or the formation of new blood vessels, which involves migration, growth, and differentiation of endothelial cells that line the inside wall of blood vessels.
  • It is upregulated in many tumors and hence gives indications of the probability of cancers.
  • Scientists fabricated an immunosensor based on the fluorescence phenomenon of biogenic carbon quantum dots, a new class of carbon nanomaterials, for the detection of the biomarker Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).
  • The sandwiched immunosensor was fabricated using a fluorescent nanomaterial (Carbon quantum dots) synthesized from a natural source, employing a green microwave-assisted method.
  • This was followed by conjugating with a detection antibody, human immunoglobulin G (IgG).

What is Endothelium?

  • The endothelium is a monolayer of endothelial cells and constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system.
  • The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone.
  • It is a major factor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and endocrine organ.