The engineering of doxorubicin-loaded liposome-quantum dot hybrids for cancer theranostics

Many studies have recently attempted to develop multifunctional nanoconstructs by integrating the superior fluorescence properties of quantum dots (QD) with therapeutic capabilities into a single vesicle for cancer theranostics. Liposome-quantum dot (L-QD) hybrid vesicles have shown promising potential for the construction of multifunctional nanoconstructs for cancer imaging and therapy. To fulfil such a potential, we report here the further functionalization of L-QD hybrid vesicles with therapeutic capabilities by loading anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) into their aqueous core. L-QD hybrid vesicles are first engineered by the incorporation of TOPO-capped, CdSe/ZnS QD into the lipid bilayers of DSPC: Chol: DSPE-PEG(2000), followed by Dox loading using the pH-gradient technique. The loading efficiency of Dox into L-QD hybrid vesicles is achieved up to 97%, comparable to liposome control. All these evidences prove that the incorporation of QD into the lipid bilayer does not affect Dox loading through the lipid membrane of liposomes using the pH-gradient technique. Moreover, the release study shows that Dox release profile can be modulated simply by changing lipid composition. In conclusion, the Dox-loaded L-QD hybrid vesicles presented here constitute a promising multifunctional nanoconstruct capable of transporting combinations of therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.