CdSe/CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) have been successfully encapsulated into poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based polymeric micelle/silica dual layers via interfacial templating condensation. The encapsulation follows a green and straightforward microemulsion mechanism that directly proceeds in a nearneutral pH aqueous environment. No detriment to the optical properties of QDs is observed during encapsulation. The core− shell nanoparticles generated possess a polymeric micelle framework with a single QD encapsulated in the hydrophobic micellar core, an ultrathin (<5 nm in thickness) yet robust silica shell confined to the micellar core/corona interface and free PEO chains dangling on the surface. The free PEO chains effectively prevent nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules to the nanoparticles. Double shielding of polymeric micelle/silica shell remarkably improves the fluorescence resistance of QDs to strong acids and highly salted buffers. In vitro testing using MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells demonstrates that these organic/inorganic dual layer-protected QDs conjugated with folate show noncytotoxicity and bright fluorescence cellular imaging with high target specificity.

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Significance The steroid hormone progesterone is highly involved in different physiological–pathophysiological processes, including bone formation and cancer progression. Understanding the working mechanisms, especially identifying the receptors of progesterone hormones, is of great value. In the present study, we identified GPR126 as a membrane receptor for both progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone and triggered its downstream G protein signaling. We further characterized the residues of GPR126 that interact with these two ligands and found that progesterone promoted the progression of a triple-negative breast cancer model through GPR126-dependent Gi-SRC signaling. Therefore, developing antagonists targeting GPR126-Gi may provide an alternative therapeutic option for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

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