New strategy of efficient inhibition of cancer cells by carborane carboxylic acid–CdTe nanocomposites

Nanoconjugates composed of drug molecules encapsulated in quantum dots (QDs) attract enormous attention due to their promising bioimaging and biomedical applications. Here, the anticancer efficiency of potential pharmacophore agents (o-carborane (Cb), o-carborane-C-carboxylic acid (Cbac1), and o-carborane-C(1)C(2)-dicarboxylic acid (Cbac2) coupling with cadmium telluride QDs capped with cysteamine (CA-CdTe QDs)) have been explored. Compared with free CA-CdTe QDs, the composites consisting of Cbac1/Cbac2 and safe-dosage QDs can greatly improve the inhibition efficiency toward SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells with the aid of our real-time cell bioelectronic sensing system and the MTT assay. The enhanced cytotoxicity correlates with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and cell apoptosis. Confocal laser scanning fluorescent microscopy shows improved cellular uptake and drug distribution of the Cbac1/Cbac2-CdTe QDs nanoconjugates. This work raises the possibility that the carborane pharmacophore in combination with QDs or other anticancer drugs may be viable for efficient cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.From the Clinical EditorThis team of investigators demonstrates efficient inhibition of cancer cells by carborane carboxylic acid–Cadmium telluride nanodots in cell cultures of hepatocellular carcinoma. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term safety and potential in vivo applicability.

Graphical AbstractIn this contribution, the specific interactions of carborane pharmacophore agents, namely carborane–carboxylic acid derivatives (denoted as Cbac1 and Cbac2), with cadmium telluride quantum dots capped with cysteamine (CA-CdTe QDs) are explored. The corresponding carborane–carboxylic acid derivatives–CdTe nanoconjugates exhibit synergistic inhibition on target cancer cells, raising the possibility of carborane anticancer agents in combination with safe-dosage QDs for cancer chemotherapy.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (182 K)Download as PowerPoint slide