Loading Graphene Quantum Dots into Optical-Magneto Nanoparticles for Real-Time Tracking In Vivo

Abstract

Fluorescence imaging offers a new approach to visualize real-time details on a cellular level in vitro and in vivo without radioactive damage. Poor light stability of organic fluorescent dyes makes long-term imaging difficult. Due to their outstanding optical properties and unique structural features, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are promising in the field of imaging for real-time tracking in vivo. At present, GQDs are mainly loaded on the surface of nanoparticles. In this study, we developed an efficient and convenient one-pot method to load GQDs into nanoparticles, leading to longer metabolic processes in blood and increased delivery of GQDs to tumors. Optical-magneto ferroferric oxide@polypyrrole (Fe3O4@PPy) core-shell nanoparticles were chosen for their potential use in cancer therapy. The in vivo results demonstrated that by loading GQDs, it was possible to monitor the distribution and metabolism of nanoparticles. This study provided new insights into the application of GQDs in long-term in vivo real-time tracking.