Department of Chemistry2024-11-1020171743-588910.2217/nnm-2017-01802-s2.0-85030166267http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2017-0180https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14288/16413We aim to develop folic acid ( FA)-conjugated cationic Ag2S near-infrared quantum dots (NIRQDs) for the delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) selectively to folate receptor (FR)-positive cancer cells to achieve enhanced drug efficacy and optical tracking in the NIR region. Materials & methods: Cationic Ag2S NIRQDs were decorated with FA using a PEG bridge and loaded with DOX. In vitro studies were performed on FR-positive human cervical carcinoma cells and FR-negative A549 cells. Results: Significantly higher uptake of DOX by human cervical carcinoma cells cells and a greater therapeutic effect along with a strong intracellular optical signal were obtained with DOX-loaded FA-conjugated Ag2S NIRQDs. Conclusion: These Ag2S NIRQDs are promising theranostic nanoparticles for receptor-mediated delivery of DOX with enhanced drug efficacy combined with optical imaging.BiotechnologyApplied microbiologyNanoscienceNanotechnologyJournal Article1748-6963411843400004Q12266