Summary
The rationale of the study carried out by Kuo et al. (2016) is to establish the potential for developing an applicable bioimaging contrast agent. Indeed, to achieve this end, the researchers applied one-pot green synthesis. The experiment followed treatment of biocompatible polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and glycine using hydrothermal process to come up with fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (CNDs). To get their results, Kuo et al. (2016) used various materials in confirming the identified nature of the CNDs. The researchers used UV-vis spectroscopy as one of the materials as well as fluorescence spectroscopy. They also used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Raman spectroscopy was the last material used in the experiment. An in vivo imaging system (IVIS) was used in which the agent was injected into the lungs. At 12- and 24-h post-injection, a fluorescence signal of the CNDs was visibly observable.
Use of the simplistic and green synthetic mechanism in preparing the fluorescent nitrogen-doped CNDs revealed that the agent has some qualities. The nitrogen-doped CNDs that were obtained in the process showed evidence of emissions of strong blue fluorescence. The agent, fluorescent nitrogen-doped CNDs, was revealed to have a high rate of water solubility. It was also revealed to show superior salt stability and rated low in cytotoxicity. The evident of the last property was shown in low concentration for the bioimaging contrast agent use. In addition, the fluorescence of nitrogen-doped CNDs’ tunable and up-conversion aspects could be related with an advantage in the choice of the appropriate emission as well as excitation energy for the in vivo imaging using the fluorescence agent. Based on these properties, it would be concluded that the agent was highly suitable for biological imaging. From their findings, the authors made the weighing up that synthesized CNDs could be applicable for intracellular tests based on the high level of biocompatibility.
Advantages
Worth noting is that the strength of a scientific study is based on the choice of the most suitable study methodology and design since it is that aspect that provides reliable and valid findings (Mackey and Gass 207). In addition, it is critical for the research procedure to be adequately described by the researchers, such that their process and findings can be replicated in a future study. Kuo et al. (2016) meet the conditions in the study. The researchers adequately describe the process used in the preparation of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (CNDs) as well as the use of the agent in vivo fluorescence imaging. The article provides evidence of a procedure that is easy to follow, beginning from the acquisition of the materials used in the experiment; Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), glycine, H3PO4, NaH2PO4, Na2HPO4, and Na3PO4. The process is described and separated into a number of headings, which are all easy to follow.
A good research article includes a process, beginning from providing the background of the topic being studied. In this case, the topic is “One-pot green hydrothermal synthesis of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots for in vivo bioimaging.” The description of the methodology used in collecting the data follows while the analysis of the data to provide findings and discussion of the findings, as well as the conclusion came in later (Mackey and Gass 207). In fact, all that information is present in the article by Kuo et al. (2016). The background begins with an introduction to the use of carbonic nanomaterials, followed by the materials and procedures in the preparation of the CNDs and their use in bioimaging. The section is followed by the identification of the properties informing the potential for the use of the CNDs, in the findings, and finally a conclusion. Thus, the article is evident of a systematic process in performing such an experiment.
The researchers indicate the implications of their findings in practice. The reality informs the criticality that research findings are only constructive if they can be replicated in future studies or used in practice. Kuo et al. (2016) indicate that the synthesized CNDs can be applied in intracellular imaging based on their excellent biocompatibility. For potential application, the practitioner will understand the initial preparation of the agent and further how to inject it within the cell in the imaging process.
Disadvantages
While the article has some strength, some weaknesses are evident. One of the obvious disadvantages of the article is the lack of a discussion section of the findings. In fact, this section is critical for any study since it renders the findings more understandable and easy to interpret (Creswell 215). It also indicates the applicability of the results and the possible limitations in the study. Kuo et al. (2016) completely avoided the discussion section of their study. Thus, it is not possible to establish their views as they interpret the findings that they have presented. The researchers have provided a two-paragraph conclusion, which is good, but not adequate in explaining their research findings. In addition, Kuo et al. (2016) omit any limitations evident in their study. In any research, while everything could go right, not everything does. Thus, it is critical for researchers to include the limitations that might have influenced their findings. Restrictions regarding experimentation and findings are critical to inform possible changes in future studies (Creswell 148). By omitting such information, the researchers fail to provide the insights into what should be corrected in future in preparing the fluorescent CNDs and in the use of the same in vivo imaging. In addition, the researchers fail to indicate the implications of their study in future research, which would follow identified limitations.
Recommendations
It is worth noting that the study should have a section for the discussion of the findings (Creswell 148). The reader should be in a position to follow the researchers in interpreting their findings. In some cases, the statistics and numerical information might not make sense to the reader until they are adequately interpreted. A discussion would explain the analyzed data in a language more comprehensible to the reader. Therefore, a credible article should include a well-labeled discussion section, including an explanation of the results, strength of the study, limitations, and possible application in practice.
While the research might have been systematically done, it must have had some limitations. It could be possible for a keen eye to spot some limitations in the experimentation, but it could help the researchers identify some of the things that might have affected their findings. In essence, the article is meant to inform future research and application of the findings. Therefore, inclusion of the limitations of the study will indicate things to avoid or improve in future research and application in practice.
Works Cited
Creswell, John W. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications, 2013.
Kuo, Tsung-Rong, et al. “One-pot green hydrothermal synthesis of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots for in vivo bioimaging.” Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 408.1 (2016): 77-82.
Mackey, Alison, and Susan M. Gass. Second language research: Methodology and design. Routledge, 2015.
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