Preparation of layering-structured magnetic fluorescent liposomes and labeling of HepG2 cells.

BACKGROUND

At present, surgical resection and chemotherapy are still the main treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers, but the curative effect and survival rate are not ideal.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to prepare a carrier with low toxicity, high biocompatibility and targeted transport for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

CdSe quantum dots (QDs) modified with oleic acid were synthesized. Then hydrophobic CdSe QDs and hydrophilic super-paramagnetic Fe3O4 particles were encapsulated into different layers of liposomes to form magnetic fluorescent liposomes (MFLs). MFLs in the aqueous would quickly drift towards the external magnet and the entire process was clearly observed with fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence spectra revealed that the fluorescence properties of MFLs were similar to that of CdSe QDs.

RESULTS

QDs had an average size of 3.32 nm with good fluorescence properties. The size of MFLs was about 100 nm (transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the average size of MFLs was about 82.8 nm and dynamic light scattering (DLS) detection showed 111.9 nm). After being cultured with MFLs for 8 h, HepG2 cells were labeled by MFLs, and good fluorescence images were obtained. MTT analysis also expressed their good biocompatibility.

CONCLUSION

The prepared MFLs had multi-function and could be used as ideal drug carriers.