Glycosylated liposomes loading carbon dots for targeted recognition to HepG2 cells

It is important to obtain the targeted nanocarriers during cancer treatment. Herein, mannosylated liposomes encapsulating carbon dots (CDs) are provided for targeted recognition of liver cancer HepG2 cells, which is based on the specific interaction between D-mannose and glycoprotein on the surface of HepG2 cells. CDs were prepared by hydrothermal method. Then, they were encapsulated into liposomes by hydrophobic force. The encapsulation of CDs into liposomes increases their stability and fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, D-mannose can also be inserted into liposomes by the aldehyde amine reaction between aldehyde groups of mannose molecules and amino groups of liposomes. The obtained D-mannose-CDs-liposomes (Man-CDs-liposomes) exhibit selectively tracking and efficiently labelling for cancer cells. The work highlights the potential application of CDs for bioimaging and diagnostic.