Preparation and in vitro toxicity evaluation of liposomal doxorubicin containing graphene quantum dots

Introduction: The importance of drug delivery nanosystems in cancer therapy is obvious. Liposomes, biocompatible and biodegradable lipid carriers, are structurally similar to cell membrane, and have been approved by FDA for the treatment of cancer. Recently, many efforts have been performed in the field of theranostic nanoparticles, which integrated therapeutic and diagnostic functions. Quantum Dots are one of the best tools to achieving a multitask nanosystem. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) regarding to their special characteristics, such as photoluminescence and high absorption in UV-vis regin have the potential to be used in tracking, photodynamic and photothermal therapy. In this study we prepared nanoliposomes containing GQDs and doxorubicin, as a common chemotherapy agent, and their in vitro anti-cancer efficiency was evaluated.Methods: Nano liposomes were prepared using the thin film hydration method. Doxorubicin and GQDs were encapsulated into liposomes during the hydration of the lipid film, passively. GQDs features were determined by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Zeta potential, the average particle size and the polydispersity of the nano liposomes were determined by dynamic light scattering. Cell death of MCF-7 cells was evaluated by MTT assay upon treatment with samples.Results: Briefly, according to the TEM images, GQDs were successfully encapsulated into the nano liposomes and despite earlier reports, the liposomes have kept their spherical structures in the presence of GQDs. Also no burst release was recorded during in vitro drug release assesment. Results of MTT assay on MCF-7 cell line showed that the toxicity of liposomal doxorubicin and GQD is more than the free form of them.Conclusion: Novel nano liposomes that are containing GQDs, have provided multi-functional system with the potential of tracking, photodynamic and photothermal therapy. More studies on this versatile nano system can be promising in the treatment of cancer.

Keywords:

Nano Liposome , Graphene Quantum Dot , Doxorubicin , Cancer Therapy