Dual dopants In2S3/ZnS quantum dots for targeted fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging

• Published in: Proceedings for Annual Meeting of The Japanese Pharmacological Society Vol. WCP2018; p. PO4-7-5
• Main Authors: Chang, Jia-Yaw, Lai, Pei-Yu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japanese Pharmacological Society 2018
• Subjects: quantum dots
• ISSN: 2435-4953; 2435-4953
• DOI: 10.1254/jpssuppl.WCP2018.0_PO4-7-5

In this work, we describe a rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of Ag+ and Mn2+ dual-dopants In2S3/ZnS quantum dots (Qdots), which integrate functions of optical fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging. Ag+ dopants were used to alter the optical properties of the In2S3 host, whereas Mn2+ co-dopants with their unpaired electrons provided paramagnetic properties. The emission wavelength of the core/shell Qdots could be tuned from 550 to 743 nm with a quantum yield of 45%. In vitro targeted cell luminescence and magnetic resonance imaging showed that Qdots conjugated to hyaluronic acid was selectively and efficiently internalized in CD44-expressing tumor cells, confirming that the resultant Qdots could function as dual-modal imaging probes for accurate diagnosis. Additionally, the obtained Qdots exhibited negligible cytotoxicity in vitro or in vivo, which rendered them promising diagnostic probes for dual-modal imaging in clinical applications.