Synthesis, characterisation and bioconjugation of [109Cd]CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots as “proof of principle” for the potential development of an anti-cancer theranostic

Abstract

This work describes the synthesis and analysis of radioactive multifunctional nanoparticle probes based on CdSe/ZnS semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) for potential in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer theranostics. The synthetic design involved the radiosynthesis of luminescent CdSe/ZnS QDs using the SPECT imaging agent Cd-109 as the cadmium elemental source. These radioactive nanoparticle materials were then rendered water dispersed and bioconjugated to the tumor-targeting ligand Rituximab.