One-Pot Aqueous Synthesization Of Near-infrared Quantum Dots For Bio-imaging And Photodynamic Therapy Of Gliomas

Objective To synthesize a quantum dot(QD)that is capable to recognize glioma cells for imaging and photodynamic therapy.Methods By one-pot aqueous approach,near infrared-emitting CdTe was produced.After detection of its physicochemical characterizations,RGD was conjugated.The emission images were observed with confocal microscopy.To test its toxicity,CdTe-RGD with various concentrations was separately added into U251 and 3T3 cells for incubation in dark circulation.To test its photodynamic effect,the U251 and 3T3 cells were then irradiated for 5-60 min using 632.8nm laser.Results This QD(?=3.75 nm,PL peak wavelength =700 nm,PLQY =20%)achieved was a spherical crystal with excellent monodispersity.Under confocal microscope,U251 cells were visualized but not the 3T3 cells.In dark circulation,the survival rates of both U251 and 3T3 cells were above 85%.After laser irradiation,the survival rate of U251 cells decreased to 37±1.6% as increasing of the irradiation time and the CdTe-RGD concentration.Conclusion With good physicochemical characterization and low toxicity,this CdTe-RGD has broad prospect for biomedical imaging and photodynamic therapy of gliomas.