Multifunctional graphene quantum dots for simultaneous targeted cellular imaging and drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) offer unique optical and electronic properties for biomedical applications.
• Developing multifunctional nanomaterials for simultaneous cell labeling, drug delivery, and monitoring is a key challenge.
• Targeted delivery systems are crucial for enhancing cancer therapy efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize folic acid (FA)-conjugated GQDs for targeted drug delivery.
• To evaluate the nanoassembly's capability for selective cancer cell labeling and drug delivery.
• To investigate the real-time monitoring of cellular uptake and drug release dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of FA-conjugated GQDs and loading with doxorubicin (DOX) to create a DOX-GQD-FA nanoassembly.
• Utilizing the inherent fluorescence of GQDs for real-time tracking of nanoassembly uptake and drug release.
• In vitro experiments to assess selective cell targeting, cellular internalization mechanisms (receptor-mediated endocytosis), and cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• The DOX-GQD-FA nanoassembly successfully discriminated between cancer (HeLa) and normal cells.
• Efficient and targeted delivery of DOX to HeLa cells was achieved via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
• Real-time monitoring confirmed rapid internalization and prolonged drug release, with reduced toxicity to non-target cells.

Conclusions:

• Ligand-modified GQDs serve as a versatile platform for multifunctional nanomedicine.
• The DOX-GQD-FA nanoassembly demonstrates high potential for targeted cancer therapy with improved safety profiles.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for simultaneous cancer cell targeting, drug delivery, and in situ monitoring.