Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5432071 | Carbon | 2017 | 13 Pages |
Magnetofluorescent carbon quantum dots (MCQDs) have attracted significant attention in biomedical studies due to their major role in cancer photothermal therapeutics. We synthesized the FeN@CQDs with intrinsic photoluminescent and magnetic properties with a green, hydrothermal method. These magnetofluorescent FeN@CQDs were conjugated with a folic acid and riboflavin (Rf-FA-FeN@CQDs) as the light-triggered theranostics for simultaneous photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In order to reduce Rf-FA-FeN@CQDs biological toxicity, we used a highly efficient cross-linking reaction to incorporate Rf-FA-FeN@CQDs nanostructures into polymer nanospheres. Doxorubicin, an anticancer drug, was further incorporated into the GP-Rf-FA-FeN@CQDs to form GP-Rf-FA-FeN@CQDs-DOX to enable targeted drug delivery. The uptake into cancer cells and the intracellular location of the GP-Rf-FA-FeN@CQDs-DOX were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results of both in vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that the developed can deliver anti-cancer drugs to target cells, release them intracellular upon NIR irradiation, and effectively eliminate tumors through chemo-photo synergistic therapeutic effect.
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