Bifunctional Carbon‐Dot‐WS₂ Nanorods for Photothermal Therapy and Cell Imaging

Abstract

Multifunctional nanoparticles have attracted significant interest as biomedical vehicles, combining diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic properties. We describe herein the construction of new nanoparticle conjugates comprising WS nanorods (NRs) coupled to fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots). We show that the WS -C-dot hybrids integrate the unique physical properties of the two species, specifically the photothermal activity of the WS NRs upon irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light and the excitation-dependent luminescence emission of the C-dots. The WS -C-dot NRs have been shown to be non-cytotoxic and have been successfully employed for multicolour cell imaging and targeted cell killing under NIR irradiation, pointing to their potential utilization as effective therapeutic vehicles.

Recent Developments in Synthesis and Photocatalytic Applications of Carbon Dots

“…Moreover, CDs/WS 2 nanorods were found to be suitable for microscopic cell imaging and photothermal therapy. NH 2 -functionalized WS 2 nanorods were mixed with glucose surfactant suspension, followed by thermal treatment to give carbonization CDs that were covalently bound to the WS 2 nanorods [71]. Notably, the CDs/WS 2 nanorods featured excitation-dependent photoluminescence with a maximum at 430 nm (cf.…”

Recent advance of carbon dots in bio-related applications

“…For example, WS 2 has been demonstrated as a potential PTT agent [181]. Nandi et al [149] attached a gemini-glucose surfactants on the amine capped WS 2 nanorods surface. After converting the surfactant into CDs, a theragnostic agent system was generated, where CDs provided the capability of fluorescent imaging and WS 2 exhibited NIR photothermal behaviors.…”

Tungsten disulfide-based nanocomposites for photothermal therapy

“…The disulfides were tested mainly in the forms of nanosheets [44], nanoflakes [45], nanodots [40] and hollow spheres [46]. Recently, WS 2 nanotubes functionalized with C-dots showed promising results for PTT and cell imaging [47]. We selected nanotubes for their mechanical properties and the possibility of coordinate bonds with sulfur atoms, which enables bonding with CAN-mag, thereby offering the possibility of bonding of additional biologically active agents.…”