Quantum-Dot-Conjugated Graphene as a Probe for Simultaneous Cancer-Targeted Fluorescent Imaging, Tracking, and Monitoring Drug Delivery

Abstract

We report a novel quantum-dot-conjugated graphene, i.e., hybrid SiO2-coated quantum dots (HQDs)-conjugated graphene, for targeted cancer fluorescent imaging, tracking, and monitoring drug delivery, as well as cancer therapy. The hybrid SiO2 shells on the surface of QDs not only mitigate its toxicity, but also protect its fluorescence from being quenched by graphene. By functionalizing the surface of HQDs-conjugated graphene (graphene-HQDs) with transferrin (Trf), we developed a targeted imaging system capable of differential uptake and imaging of cancer cells that express the Trf receptor. The widely used fluorescent antineoplastic anthracycline drug, doxorubicin (DOX), is adsorbed on the surface of graphene and results in a large loading capacity of 1.4 mg mg(-1). It is advantageous that the new delivery system exhibits different fluorescence color in between graphene-HQDs and DOX in the aqueous core upon excitation at a same wavelength for the purpose of tracking and monitoring drug delivery. This simple multifunctional nanoparticle system can deliver DOX to the targeted cancer cells and enable us to localize the graphene-HQDs and monitor intracellular DOX release. The specificity and safety of the nanoparticle conjugate for cancer imaging, monitoring, and therapy has been demonstrated in vitro.

Photoluminescent and superparamagnetic reduced graphene oxide–iron oxide quantum dots for dual-modality imaging, drug delivery and photothermal therapy

“…MGQDs, in a 1 mg ml -1 aqueous suspension, have a PL lifetime of 1.9 ns ( Figure 5C), similar to GQDs and conventional QDs in the literature (range of 1-10 ns) [76][77][78][79], and slightly lower than the GQDs prepared using the same method (2.3 ns) [40]. Previously reported GQDs with attached IO (GQD-IOs) did not possess PL properties as they synthesized GQDs first and then attached IO [15].…”

Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Theranostic Applications

“…Table 6 summarizes the theranostic applications of graphene-based nanomaterials. 141 This functionalized nanocomposite was then loaded with doxorubicin and exploited for QD and DOX mediated dual-colored°u orescence imaging-guided tracking and delivery of drug to cancer cells in vitro (Fig. 7(i)).…”

Post-Genomics Nanotechnology Is Gaining Momentum: Nanoproteomics and Applications in Life Sciences

“…An example of such application is the use of a circuit that monitors the levels and activity of thrombin in plasma and delivers an inhibitory anticoagulant accordingly. Chen et al (2013), using a similar concept, designed a quantum-dot-conjugated graphene for imaging and monitoring drug delivery to cancer cells. The system can deliver the antineoplastic drug doxorubicin to cancer cells and monitor its release out of the cell, allowing for a safer and more targeted therapy.…”