Folic acid-conjugated cationic Ag2S quantum dots for optical imaging and selective doxorubicin delivery to HeLa cells


Duman F. D., Erkisa M., Khodadust R., ARI F., Ulukaya E., Acar H. Y.

NANOMEDICINE, vol.12, no.19, pp.2319-2333, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 12 Issue: 19
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0180
  • Journal Name: NANOMEDICINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.2319-2333
  • Keywords: Ag2S quantum dots, cancer therapy, doxorubicin, near-infrared imaging, targeting, DRUG-DELIVERY, HIGHLY LUMINESCENT, CYTOTOXICITY, FOLATE, CARDIOTOXICITY, NANOPARTICLES, APOPTOSIS, ASSAY, TOOL
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We aim to develop folic acid ( FA)-conjugated cationic Ag2S near-infrared quantum dots (NIRQDs) for the delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) selectively to folate receptor (FR)-positive cancer cells to achieve enhanced drug efficacy and optical tracking in the NIR region. Materials & methods: Cationic Ag2S NIRQDs were decorated with FA using a PEG bridge and loaded with DOX. In vitro studies were performed on FR-positive human cervical carcinoma cells and FR-negative A549 cells. Results: Significantly higher uptake of DOX by human cervical carcinoma cells cells and a greater therapeutic effect along with a strong intracellular optical signal were obtained with DOX-loaded FA-conjugated Ag2S NIRQDs. Conclusion: These Ag2S NIRQDs are promising theranostic nanoparticles for receptor-mediated delivery of DOX with enhanced drug efficacy combined with optical imaging.