Magnetofluorescent nanoparticles with diagnostic and therapeutic functions show great promise in nanomedicine. Here, we report the magnetofluorescent carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/doxorubicin (DOX) nanocomposites and their functions act in synergetic chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy (Chemo/PTT) in cancer excision. Magnetofluorescent CNTs conjugated with a folic acid (FA-GdN@CQDs-MWCNTs) were targets for dual-modal fluorescence (FL)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Experiments in vitro and in vivo identified FA-GdN@CQDs-MWCNTs with low toxicity, and good biocompatibility. Moreover, FA-GdN@CQDs-MWCNTs whose release can be fostered by pH and NIR light dual-stimuli had been proved to be available for loading DOX. Following nuclear translocations, FA-GdN@CQDs-MWCNTs were engineered to deliver DOX that targeted the nuclei. In vivo experiment indicates that the Chemo/PTT, as compared with the respective single treatment, can significantly control tumor growth. In addition, Chemo/PTT was not shown to render any appreciable toxicity. These findings suggest that the FA-GdN@CQDs-MWCNTs/DOX could function as a multifunctional platform for simultaneous FL/MR imaging, PTT therapy, and drug delivery.
Keywords: carbon nanotubes; folic acid; magnetofluorescent; photothermal therapy.