Folic acid-conjugated cationic AgS quantum dots for optical imaging and selective doxorubicin delivery to HeLa cells.

Aim: We aim to develop folic acid (FA)-conjugated cationic AgS near-infrared quantum dots (NIRQDs) for the delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) selectively to folate receptor (FR)-positive cancer cells to achieve enhanced drug efficacy and optical tracking in the NIR region.

Materials & Methods: Cationic AgS NIRQDs were decorated with FA using a PEG bridge and loaded with DOX. In vitro studies were performed on FR-positive human cervical carcinoma cells and FR-negative A549 cells.