MoS₂ Quantum Dots Loaded Multifunctional Theragnostic Agent For US/CT Imaging And Photothermal Therapy

Objective To fabricate the high-performance theragnostic nanocapsules,molybdenum disulfide quantum dots?MoS₂ QDs?-shelled perfluorohexanes?PFH?nanocapsules with PLLAylation?PFH@PLLA-MoS₂?was synthesized,which can be served as ultrasound?US?and Computed Tomography?CT?contrast agent and simultaneously applied in photothermal therapy.Furthermore,dual-modal imaging and photothermal capacity were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.Methods PFH@PLLA-MoS₂ nanocapsules were fabricated by the oil-in-water emulsion method.Morphology,diameter and potentials of PFH@PLLA-MoS₂ were evaluated by different methods.Subsequently,capacity of phase transformation,photothermal effect and US/CT imaging were measured in vitro and in vivo.Results The PFH@PLLA-MoS₂ nanocapsules were spherical with the diameter of 205.1±67.3nm,and the average potentials was+0.76mV.The nanocapsules could be absorbed by MDA-MB-231 cells,blue fluorescence was observed within breast cancer cells under a laser scanning confocal microscopy at the excitation wavelength of 405 nm.PFH@PLLA-MoS₂ could transform energy from the light into heat under laser illumination,caused by the temperature of solution rising up to about 58?in 20 min.The nanocapsules enlarged as temperature went up and fractured at 70?.MTT assay indicated that PFH@PLLA-MoS₂ has low cytotoxicity,however,it could induce apoptosis under laser irradiation.Furthermore,the MDA-MB-231 Subcutaneous Xenograft Mouse Models were built,in vivo experiments were proceeded when the tumor grew up to 100-200 mm³.PFH@PLLA-MoS₂ exhibited excellent ultrasound imaging capacity in vivo.H&E and TUNEL assay showed PFH@PLLA-MoS₂ had admirable photothermal killing effect under the combination of ultrasound and laser irradiation?apoptotic rate is 68.3%?.Conclusion The PFH@PLLA-MoS₂ theragnostic agent has been successfully synthesized,it is a promising agent for dual-modal US/CT imaging and in situ photothermal treatment.