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

• Published in: Nanomedicine (London, England) Vol. 12; no. 19; pp. 2319 - 2333
• Main Authors: Fatma Demir Duman, Erkisa, Merve, Khodadust, Rouhullah, Ferda Ari, Ulukaya, Engin, Havva Yagci Acar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Future Medicine Ltd 01-10-2017
• Subjects: Acids; Apoptosis; Cancer therapies; Cervical cancer; Chemotherapy; Cytotoxicity; Drug delivery systems; Drugs; Nanoparticles; Polyethylene glycol; Quantum dots; Vitamin B; United States > US; Germany
• ISSN: 1743-5889; 1748-6963
• DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0180

Aim: 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.