Synthesis and modification of carbon quantum dots in photodynamic and photothermal therapy for combination cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the therapeutic potential of copper-doped carbon quantum dots (Cu-CQDs), integrating photothermal and photodynamic approaches to enhance cancer treatment efficacy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Cu-CQDs were synthesized using citric acid via a hydrothermal method. Nanoparticle characterization was conducted using dynamic light scattering (DLS), spectrofluorometry, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Photothermal performance was assessed by measuring temperature increases under laser irradiation. Photodynamic activity was evaluated by oxidative activity detection (consistent with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production) with 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Cytotoxicity was examined against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with and without the addition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) as a photosensitizer.

RESULTS

The Cu-CQDs demonstrated a fluorescence quantum yield of 2.96%. Upon laser irradiation at 25 mg/mL, the temperature rose above 60 °C within 10 minutes, indicating effective photothermal performance. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanotherapeutic against MCF-7 cancer cells was evaluated, revealing that the combined photothermal and photodynamic effects (CQD + 5-ALA+LASER) resulted in 65% cell viability, which was significantly different from the cell viability obtained with the photothermal effect alone (CQD+LASER).

CONCLUSIONS

The study presents a promising cancer treatment strategy by combining photothermal and photodynamic effects of Cu-CQDs. This dual-function approach may serve as an effective method for future cancer therapies.