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Synthesis and Characterization of Mn:ZnSe/ZnS/ZnMnS Sandwiched QDs for Multimodal Imaging and Theranostic Applications
Author(s) -
Wang Yucheng,
Wu Bo,
Yang Chengbin,
Liu Maixian,
Sum Tze Chien,
Yong KenTye
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.201503352
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocarriers , biocompatibility , phosphorescence , nanotechnology , dopant , nanomaterials , nanocrystal , nanoparticle , quantum dot , surface modification , doping , chemical engineering , fluorescence , optoelectronics , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering , metallurgy
In this work, a facile aqueous synthesis method is optimized to produce Mn:ZnSe/ZnS/ZnMnS sandwiched quantum dots (SQDs). In this core–shell co‐doped system, paramagnetic Mn 2+ ions are introduced as core and shell dopants to generate Mn phosphorescence and enhance the magnetic resonance imaging signal, respectively. T 1 relaxivity of the nanoparticles can be improved and manipulated by raising the shell doping level. Steady state and time‐resolved optical measurements suggest that, after high level shell doping, Mn phosphorescence of the core can be sustained by the sandwiched ZnS shell. Because the SQDs are free of toxic heavy metal compositions, excellent biocompatibility of the prepared nanocrystals is verified by in vitro MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. To explore the theranostic applications of SQDs, liposome‐SQD assemblies are prepared and used for ex vivo optical and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, these engineered SQDs as nanocarrier for gene delivery in therapy of Panc‐1 cancer cells are employed. The therapeutic effects of the nanocrystals formulation are confirmed by gene expression analysis and cell viability assay.