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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Production and Targeting of Monovalent Quantum Dots
Published on: October 23, 2014
Photothermal/GSH-dual-responsive organic quantum dots enabling traceable DNA delivery
Yi Tu1, Mingjie Wang1, Yuqiu Zheng1
1School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China.
Abstract:
Quantum dots, with their superior intrinsic fluorescence and photostability, are emerging as a promising option for cancer gene therapy, diagnosis, and imaging. However, low gene delivery efficiency, insufficient targeting, and responsiveness remain challenges. To address these issues, PEI-based carbon quantum dots (CPNCs) were constructed by crosslinking polyethylenimine quantum dots (PQDs) with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via disulfide bonds. This vector integrates high DNA loading and protective capabilities with excellent photothermal and fluorescent properties, constructing a glutathione (GSH) and near-infrared (NIR) photothermal effects dual-responsive fluorescent tracing gene delivery system. The results showed that CPNCs displayed notable fluorescence when excited at a wavelength of 380 nm. As anticipated, cellular uptake and transfection efficiencies were notably high, reaching 74.63 % and 64.74 % in 293 T cells, and 60.58 % and 41.86 % in HeLa cells under NIR treatment at a power density of 1.0 w/cm2. This work provided a vector for efficient gene delivery, effective fluorescence tracing, and significant photothermal conversion, presenting a synergistic approach to cancer therapy.
Insights
Researchers developed novel carbon quantum dots (CPNCs) for enhanced cancer gene therapy. These CPNCs improve gene delivery efficiency and offer dual-responsive fluorescence tracing and photothermal effects for synergistic cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Quantum dots offer fluorescence and photostability for cancer applications.
- Challenges in cancer gene therapy include low efficiency, targeting, and responsiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a dual-responsive gene delivery system using PEI-based carbon quantum dots (CPNCs).
- To enhance gene delivery efficiency, targeting, and therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- CPNCs were synthesized by crosslinking polyethylenimine quantum dots (PQDs) with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via disulfide bonds.
- The system was designed for glutathione (GSH) and near-infrared (NIR) photothermal responsiveness.
- Fluorescence, cellular uptake, and transfection efficiencies were evaluated in 293T and HeLa cells.
Main Results:
- CPNCs exhibited notable fluorescence at 380 nm.
- High cellular uptake (74.63% in 293T, 60.58% in HeLa) and transfection efficiencies (64.74% in 293T, 41.86% in HeLa) were achieved under NIR treatment.
- The vector demonstrated efficient gene delivery, fluorescence tracing, and photothermal conversion.
Conclusions:
- The developed CPNCs represent a promising vector for efficient gene delivery and fluorescence tracing.
- This dual-responsive system offers a synergistic approach for enhanced cancer therapy through combined gene delivery and photothermal effects.
