Functionalized-quantum-dot-liposome hybrids as multimodal nanoparticles for cancer.
Functionalized-quantum-dot-liposome (f-QD-L) hybrid nanoparticles are engineered by encapsulating poly(ethylene glycol)-coated QD in the internal aqueous phase of different lipid bilayer vesicles. f-QD-L maintain the QD fluorescence characteristics as confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cationic f-QD-L hybrids lead to dramatic improvements in cellular binding and internalization in tumor-cell monolayer cultures. Deeper penetration into three-dimensional multicellular spheroids is obtained for f-QD-L by modifying the lipid bilayer characteristics of the hybrid system. f-QD-L are injected intratumorally into solid tumor models leading to extensive fluorescent staining of tumor cells compared to injections of the f-QD alone. f-QD-L hybrid nanoparticles constitute a versatile tool for very efficient labeling of cells ex vivo and in vivo, particularly when long-term imaging and tracking of cells is sought. Moreover, f-QD-L offer many opportunities for the development of combinatory therapeutic and imaging (theranostic) modalities by incorporating both drug molecules and QD within the different compartments of a single vesicle.
Al-Jamal
Wafa' T
WT
Nanomedicine Laboratory, Centre for Drug Delivery Research, The School of Pharmacy, University of London 29-39 Brunswick Square, UK.
Al-Jamal
Khuloud T
KT
Bomans
Paul H
PH
Frederik
Peter M
PM
Kostarelos
Kostas
K
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002460:Cell Line; D020285:Cryoelectron Microscopy; D005260:Female; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010316:Particle Size; D045663:Quantum Dots; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013499:Surface Properties
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008081:Liposomes