Multifunctional MnCuInSe/ZnS quantum dots for bioimaging and photodynamic therapy

Abstract

In this work, manganese (Mn)-doped CuInSe quantum dots (QDs) with a ZnS passivation layer (MnCuInSe/ZnS) have been synthesized via a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction using glutathione (GSH) as a stabilizer. The MnCuInSe/ZnS core-shell QDs combine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), excitation-dependent red emission, and reactive oxygen radical generation functions, in which regulation of Mn2+ incorporation leads to synergistic imaging and therapeutic modalities. The MnCuInSe/ZnS QDs exhibit high colloidal and photochemical stability in simulated media and at different pH values. An r2/r1 ratio of 9.99 was calculated from MRI studies suggesting their potential application as dual-modal imaging agents. Based on in vitro tests on Hela, B16, and HepG2 cell lines, it is apparent that MnCuInSe/ZnS QDs impose no significant cytotoxicity in the dark, while they can efficiently generate singlet oxygen radicals for photodynamic therapy of cancers, killing more than 80% of B16 cells within 5 min of laser irradiation (671 nm, 1 W cm−2). Furthermore, in vitro fluorescence imaging and cellular internalization of QDs are examined to visualize cellular uptake and in situ ROS generation. Therefore, this research exemplifies a new set of multifunctional chalcogenide QDs for theranostic applications.

Semiconductor quantum dots for photodynamic therapy: Recent advances

“…Mn doped CuInSe quantum dots with a ZnS passivation layer (MnCuInSe/ZnS) have also been investigated for PDT and bioimaging applications via irradiation at 671 nm. The QDs could induce significant phototoxicity against HeLa, HepG2, and B16 cells, and were also found to be potent MRI contrasting agents (Irmania et al, 2022) Similar results indicating the theranostic ability of metallic quantum dots have also been reported by Li et al using NIR-II-emitting and magnetic CuInSe 2 @ZnS:Mn QDs (Li et al, 2022c). Metallic quantum dots have also been explored for antibacterial photodynamic therapy (Gvozdev et al, 2018;Paul et al, 2022).…”

Based on Aptamer-carbon quantum dots and silver nanoparticles FRET sensor for sensitive detection of E. coli

“…The aim of this study was to develop a novel, simple, rapid, non-toxic method with maximum possible ultra-sensitive detection of E. coli. Most CQDs are used for bioimaging of bacterial cells [14,15] . There are few studies on the detection of speci c bacteria as targets by CQDs.…”

Photothermal Carbon Dots Chelated Hydroxyapatite Filler: High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency and Enhancing Adhesion of Hydrogel

“…Despite the advantage of precise control, rapid response, and low toxicity offered by photothermal therapy, the use of precious metal nanomaterials such as gold is cost-prohibitive . Alternatives such as CuS and ZnS nanomaterials and organic dye substances such as indocyanine green pose the issue of potential toxicity . As an alternative, photothermal therapy using carbon dots (CDs) offers a low-cost and biocompatible solution .…”