Quantum dot-aptamer conjugates for synchronous cancer imaging and therapy based on bi-fluorescence resonance energy transfer

A19 We report a novel quantum dot (QD)-aptamer(Apt)-doxorubicin (Dox) conjugate [QD-Apt(Dox)] as a targeted cancer imaging, therapy and sensing system. By functionalizing the surface of fluorescent QD with the A10 RNA aptamer which recognizes the extracellular domain of the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), we developed a targeted QD imaging system (QD-Apt) that is capable of differential uptake and imaging of prostate cancer cells which express the PSMA protein. The intercalation of Dox, a widely used anti-neoplastic anthracycline drug with fluorescent properties, in the double stranded stem of the A10 aptamer results in a targeted QD-Apt(Dox) conjugate with reversible self-quenching properties based on a Bi-FRET mechanism. A donor-acceptor model FRET between QD and Dox, and a donor-quencher model FRET between Dox and aptamer result when Dox intercalated within the A10 aptamer. This simple multifunctional nanoparticle system can deliver Dox to the targeted prostate cancer cells and sense the delivery of Dox by activating the fluorescence of QD which concurrently images the cancer cells. We demonstrate the specificity and sensitivity of this nanoparticle conjugate as a cancer imaging, therapy and sensing system in vitro.