In Situ Synthesis of Fluorescent Mesoporous Silica-Carbon Dot Nanohybrids Featuring Folate Receptor-Overexpressing Cancer Cell Targeting and Drug Delivery.

Abstract

Multifunctional nanocarrier-based theranostics is supposed to overcome some key problems in cancer treatment. In this work, a novel method for the preparation of a fluorescent mesoporous silica-carbon dot nanohybrid was developed. Carbon dots (CDs), from folic acid as the raw material, were prepared in situ and anchored on the surface of amino-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-NH2) via a microwave-assisted solvothermal reaction. The as-prepared nanohybrid (designated MSNs-CDs) not only exhibited strong and stable yellow emission but also preserved the unique features of MSNs (e.g., mesoporous structure, large specific surface area, and good biocompatibility), demonstrating a potential capability for fluorescence imaging-guided drug delivery. More interestingly, the MSNs-CDs nanohybrid was able to selectively target folate receptor-overexpressing cancer cells (e.g., HeLa), indicating that folic acid still retained its function even after undergoing the solvothermal reaction. Benefited by these excellent properties, the fluorescent MSNs-CDs nanohybrid can be employed as a fluorescence-guided nanocarrier for the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs (e.g., doxorubicin), thereby enhancing chemotherapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. Our studies may provide a facile strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional MSN-based theranostic platforms, which is beneficial in the diagnosis and therapy of cancers in future.

• Authors: Shuai Zhao, Shan Sun, Kai Jiang, Yuhui Wang, Yu Liu, Song Wu, Zhongjun Li, Qinghai Shu, Hengwei Lin
• Journal: Nano-micro letters (Nanomicro Lett) Vol. 11 Issue 1 Pg. 32 (Apr 05 2019) ISSN: 2150-5551 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 34137970 (Publication Type: Journal Article)