Cell-Derived N/P/S-Codoped Fluorescent Carbon Nanodots with Intrinsic Targeting Ability for Tumor-Specific Phototheranostics

Anal Chem. 2023 Nov 28;95(47):17392-17399. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03926. Epub 2023 Nov 14.

Abstract

Combining targeting ability, imaging function, and photothermal/photodynamic therapy into a single agent is highly desired for cancer theranostics. Herein, we developed a one-for-all nanoplatform with N/P/S-codoped fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) for tumor-specific phototheranostics. The CNDs were prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal process using cancer cells as sources of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. The obtained N/P/S-codoped CNDs exhibit wide light absorption in the range of 200-900 nm and excitation-dependent emission with high photostability. Importantly, the cancer cell-derived N/P/S-codoped CNDs have outstanding biocompatibility and naturally intrinsic targeted ability for cancer cells as well as dual photothermal/photodynamic effects under 795 nm laser irradiation. Moreover, the photothermal conversion efficiency and singlet oxygen (1O2) generation efficiency were calculated to be 52 and 34%, respectively. These exceptional properties enable CNDs to act as fine theranostic agents for targeted imaging and photothermal-photodynamic synergistic therapy within the NIR therapeutic window. The CNDs prepared in this work are promising for construction as a universal tumor phototheranostic platform.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Coloring Agents
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Precision Medicine
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine / methods

Substances

  • Carbon
  • Coloring Agents