GQDs-MSNs nanocomposite nanoparticles for simultaneous intracellular drug delivery and fluorescent imaging

Although number of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been developed, the simultaneous real-time monitoring of carrier in order to guarantee proper drug targeting still remains as a challenge. GQDs-MSNs nanocomposite nanoparticles composed of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and MSNs are proposed as efficient doxorubicin delivery and fluorescent imaging agent, allowing to monitor intracellular localization of a carrier and drug diffusion route from the carrier.Graphene quantum dots (average diameter 3.650.81nm) as a fluorescent agent were chemically immobilized onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles (average diameter 44.087.18nm) and loaded with doxorubicin. The structure, morphology, chemical composition, and optical properties as well as drug release behavior of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded GQDs-MSNs were investigated. Then, the in vitro cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and intracellular localization studies were carried out. Prepared GQDs-MSNs form stable suspensions exhibiting excitation-dependent photoluminescence (PL) behavior. These nanocomposite nanoparticles can be easily DOX-loaded and show pH- and temperature-dependent release behavior. Cytotoxicity studies proved that GQDs-MSNs nanocomposite nanoparticles are nontoxic; however, when loaded with drug, they enable the therapeutic activity of DOX via its active delivery and release. GQDs-MSNs owing to their fluorescent properties and efficient in vitro cellular internalization via caveolae/lipid raft-dependent endocytosis show a high potential for the optical imaging, including the simultaneous real-time optical tracking of the loaded drug during its delivery and release.