Evaluating a targeted Palbociclib-Trastuzumab loaded smart niosome platform for treating HER2 positive breast cancer cells

In this study, we present a targeted and pH-sensitive niosomal (pHSN) formulation, incorporating quantum dot (QD)-labeled Trastuzumab (Trz) molecules for the specific delivery of Palbociclib (Pal) to cells overexpressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). FTIR analyses confirmed the successful preparation of the pHSNs and their bioconjugation. The labeled Trz-conjugated Pal-pHSNs (Trz-Pal-pHSNs) exhibited a size of approximately 170 nm, displaying a spherical shape with a neutral surface charge of -1.2 mV. Pal encapsulation reached ∼86%, and the release pattern followed a two-phase pH-dependent mechanism. MTT assessments demonstrated enhanced apoptosis induction, particularly in HER2-positive cells, by Trz-Pal-pHSNs. Fluorescence imaging further validated the internalization of particles into cells. In conclusion, Trz-Pal-pHSNs emerge as a promising platform for personalized medicine in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.

Development of a Fluorescent Immunochromatographic Assay Based on Quantum Dot-Functionalized Two-Dimensional Monolayer Ti3C2 MXene Nanoprobes for the Simultaneous Detection of Influenza A Virus and SARS-CoV-2

Accurate and rapid detection of the influenza A virus (FluA) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can effectively control their spread. We developed a colorimetric and fluorescent dual-functional two-channel immunochromatographic assay (ICA) biosensor to simultaneously detect the above-mentioned viruses. A unique two-dimensional Ti3C2-QD immunoprobe was established by adsorbing dense quantum dots (QDs) onto the light green monostromatic Ti3C2 MXene surface, resulting in light green colorimetric and superior fluorescence signals and guaranteeing high sensitivity, stability, and excellent liquidity for ICA detection. Rapid visual screening for FluA and SARS-CoV-2 infections was applicable via a green colorimetric signal. Sensitive and quantitative detection of viruses in their early stages of infection was performed by using the fluorescence signal. Our proposed Ti3C2-QD-ICA biosensor can simultaneously detect 1 ng/mL or 2.4 pg/mL FluA and 1 ng/mL or 6.2 pg/mL SARS-CoV-2 via its colorimetric or fluorescence signals, respectively, with a short testing time (20 min), good reproducibility, specificity, and accuracy. In addition, this method demonstrated sensitivity higher than that of the conventional AuNP-based ICA method in throat swab samples. Hence, our proposed Ti3C2-QD-ICA method can be potentially applied for the rapid, ultrasensitive, and multiplex detection of respiratory viruses.

Recent advances in quantum dot-based fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assays

Fluorescence immunoassays have been given considerable attention among the quantitative detection methods in the clinical medicine and food safety testing fields. In particular, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have become ideal fluorescent probes for highly sensitive and multiplexed detection due to their unique photophysical properties, and the QD fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA) with high sensitivity, high accuracy, and high throughput has been greatly developed recently. In this manuscript, the advantages of applying QDs to FLISA platforms and some strategies for their application to in vitro diagnostics and food safety are discussed. Given the rapid development of this field, we classify these strategies based on the combination of QD types and detection targets, including traditional QDs or QD micro/nano-spheres-FLISA, and multiple FLISA platforms. In addition, some new sensors based on the QD-FLISA are introduced; this is one of the hot spots in this field. The current focus and future direction of QD-FLISA are also discussed, which provides important guidance for the further development of FLISA.