Preparation and in vivo imaging of NIR-emissive carbonized polymer dots derived from biomass olive leaves with a quantum yield of 71.4.

The conversion of biomass materials into high value-added chemicals is receiving more and more attention. Herein, biomass olive leaves are converted into carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) through a simple hydrothermal reaction. The CPDs show near infrared light emission properties, and the absolute quantum yield reaches a record breaking value of 71.4% under the excitation wavelength of 413 nm. Detailed characterization determines that CPDs only contain three elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, which is very different from most carbon dots which contain nitrogen atoms. Subsequently, NIR fluorescence imaging both in vitro and in vivo is performed to test their feasibility as fluorescence probes. The metabolic pathways of CPDs in the living body are inferred by studying the bio-distribution of CPDs in major organs. Their outstanding advantage is expected to further broaden the application field of this material.

Combination of Chlorambucil and Mercaptopurine Show Effective Anti-Cancer Effects in Mice Model.

Background: Combination therapy employing multiple drugs has been shown to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment. Chlorambucil (Chl) and 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) are the first-line medicines for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and ovarian cancer. However, both were limited by their short half-life of disintegration, unsatisfactory water solubility, and adverse reactions. Methods: In this work, the drug Chl and 6MP were introduced into the polymerized N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (polyHPMA) by pH and glutathione responsive linker to construct the polymer nanodrug delivery system for effective co-delivery. Results: The drug load capacities, release, morphology, and cytotoxicity of the pro-drug were systematic. The two drugs showed satisfactory synergism with a combination index of 0.81, and a better ability to induce apoptosis. In and ex vivo fluorescence imaging showed a rapid systemic distribution of the conjugate within mice, majorly metabolized by liver and kidneys and eliminated after 24 hr. No significant pathological damage was observed in the major organs. This polymeric prodrug system holds promise for improved therapeutic efficiency and reduced side effects through the synergistic delivery of various chemotherapeutics. Conclusion: The introduction of HPMA as a carrier not only enhanced the solubility and biocompatibilities of Chl and 6 MP but also improved their drug effect. This strategy might be a promising alternative for constructing multi-drug-release system.