Graphene quantum dot-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles through an acid-cleavable acetal bond for intracellular drug delivery and imaging.

Luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been capped onto the nanopores of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) through an acid-cleavable acetal bond. Herein, the GQDs behave as dual-purpose entities that act as capping agents and also exhibit excellent photoluminescence property.