Cisplatin and quantum dots encapsulated in liposomes as multifunctional nanocarriers for theranostic use in brain and skin

We aimed to develop liposomes for loading both cisplatin and quantum dots (QDs) for both drug delivery and bioimaging. The resultant quantum-dot-liposomes (QDLs) with cisplatin were characterized using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), encapsulation efficiencies, and fluorescence intensity. QDLs composed of CdSe or CdSe/ZnS QDs represented a size of about 100 nm. The QDLs were prepared at a high QD loading efficiency of nearly 100 %. Most QDs were located within the liposomal bilayers as evidenced by TEM. Slow and sustained cisplatin release from QDLs was achieved. The cellular uptake of QDLs demonstrated effective internalization and significant fluorescence in melanoma cells. The signal derived from QDLs could be observed by different wavelength settings. The cisplatin-containing QDLs revealed higher cytotoxic activity compared to an equal dose of free cisplatin. CdSe/ZnS QDLs were intravenously administered to mice, and the biodistribution was observed with an in vivo imaging system. Significant fluorescence signal and cisplatin accumulation were detected in the brain and skin, as verified by ex vivo imaging and drug distribution. Liposomal inclusion could reduce the reticuloendothelial system uptake of QDs and cisplatin. QDLs evaluated in this study represent a new potential method for theranostic purposes.