In vitro study of black phosphorus quantum dot-loaded liposomes for photothermal therapy of cervical cancer / 药学学报

ABSTRACT

In this study, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs)-loaded liposomes (liposome-BPQDs) were prepared to explore physicochemical properties and photothermal effects on cervical cancer cells. BPQDs were fabricated by ultrasonic method. Liposome-BPQDs were prepared by thin film dispersion. Surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential and Raman spectra of liposome-BPQDs were characterized. The cytotoxicity of the liposome-BPQDs against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) was examined by CCK-8 assay. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and fluorescence microscopy were used to observe the uptake and apoptosis of HeLa cells. The results indicated that liposome-BPQDs were ellipsoidal or spherical under scanning electron microscope, TEM observation showed liposome-BPQDs were about 90-110 nm in diameter. The particle size measurements showed liposome-BPQDs were (104.2±0.35) nm in diameter, and zeta potential were examined to be (-11.3±3.01) mV. The encapsulation efficiency was (84.40±2.13)%.Under natural conditions with outdoor ventilation, temperature range of 25 ℃-34 ℃ and relative humidity of 80%-82%, the photothermal effects of liposome-BPQDs was better and the degradation denaturation of liposome-BPQDs were slower than those of BPQDs. The results also reflected that liposome-BPQDs could be uptaken by HeLa cells easily. After near-infrared laser irradiation, the mortality of HeLa cells rise significantly when the amount of BPQDs reach 20 μg·mL-1. In summary, liposome-BPQDs with high stability exhibited good photothermal effects, which can be expected to be applied to photothermal therapy of cervical carcinoma.