Hepatoma cell uptake of cationic multifluorescent quantum dot liposomes.
Cationic multifluorescent quantum dot liposomes (QD-Ls) have been prepared with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic CdSe/ZnS quantum dots by reverse phase evaporation. QD incorporation was confirmed by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Incorporation did not affect QD photoactivity or damage bilayer or liposome structure. Cell uptake was examined in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HuH-7) using cationic and zwitterionic QD-Ls. Cationic QD-Ls were stable in vitro and exhibited high uptake, while zwitterionic QD-Ls aggregated and exhibited low uptake. Given that liposomes are established and versatile platforms for creating cell-targeting therapeutic agents, multifluorescent QD-Ls may offer advanced techniques for imaging hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains simultaneously. If coupled with an encapsulated drug, QD-Ls could be multifunctional and provide imaging, detection, and drug delivery in a single assembly.
Bothun
Geoffrey D
GD
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, 205 Crawford Hall, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA. bothun@egr.uri.edu
Rabideau
Amy E
AE
Stoner
Matthew A
MA
D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis; D002412:Cations / Q000737:chemistry; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D045663:Quantum Dots; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D013440:Sulfides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D044366:Transition Temperature; D017967:Zinc Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*
D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D002412:Cations; D008081:Liposomes; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D013440:Sulfides; D017967:Zinc Compounds; C058667:cadmium selenide; C031238:zinc sulfide