Cellular uptake and photosensitizing properties of quantum dot-chlorin e6 complex: in vitro study

Recently it has been suggested that quantum dots could be used in the photodynamic therapy of cancer as resonant energy donors for conventional porphyrin type photosensitizers. Here we summarize our results obtained by studying a non-covalent complex formed between quantum dots and a second generation photosensitizer, chlorin e6, in aqueous medium and in live pancreatic MiaPaCa2 cancer cells. Spectral changes in the absorption and photoluminescence of quantum dots and chlorin e6, as well as changes in the photoluminescence lifetime of quantum dots, revealed the formation of quantum dot-chlorin e6 complex. Fluorescence confocal microscopy with spectral imaging unit showed uptake of quantum dot-chlorin e6 complex in live cancer cells: the complex localized in plasma membrane and endocytic vesicles. Fluorescence lifetime imaging revealed Forster resonance energy transfer from quantum dots to chlorin e6 within live cells. Finally, a light-induced damage to cancer cells by the quantum dot-chlorin e6 complex was achieved.