Affiliation:
1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, 7631818356, Iran
2. Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, 7616913439, Iran
3. Department of Chemistry, Payame Noor University (PNU), 19395-4697, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Aim: To develop and employ a copper, sulfur, nitrogen–carbon quantum dot (C,S,N-CQD) multifunctional platform for synergistic cancer therapy, combining chemotherapy and photothermal treatment with in vitro cancer cell imaging. Materials & methods: Cu,S,N-CQDs were synthesized hydrothermally, loaded with disulfiram (DSF), and characterized through UV-Vis spectrophotometry, photoluminescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, x-ray diffraction and EDAX. Results: Cu,S,N-CQD exhibited 5.5% absolute fluorescence quantum yield, 46.0% photothermal conversion efficiency and excellent stability. The release of DSF-loaded Cu,S,N-CQD, photothermal performance, and IC50 on PC3 prostate cancer cells, were evaluated. The impact of cellular glutathione on nanocarrier performance was investigated. Conclusion: Cu,S,N-CQD as a photothermal agent and DSF carrier showed synergy (combination index: 0.71) between chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. The nanocarrier simultaneously employed for in vitro cancer cell imaging due to its unique fluorescence properties.
Funder
Graduate University of Advanced Technology
Subject
Development,General Materials Science,Biomedical Engineering,Medicine (miscellaneous),Bioengineering