A graphene quantum dot photodynamic therapy agent with high singlet oxygen generation

Clinical applications of current photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents are often limited by their low singlet oxygen (1O2) quantum yields, as well as by photobleaching and poor biocompatibility. Here we present a new PDT agent based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) that can produce 1O2 via a multistate sensitization process, resulting in a quantum yield of ~1.3, the highest reported for PDT agents. The GQDs also exhibit a broad absorption band spanning the UV region and the entire visible region and a strong deep-red emission. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we demonstrate that GQDs can be used as PDT agents, simultaneously allowing imaging and providing a highly efficient cancer therapy. The present work may…

• CU
  City University of Hong Kong
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 21373250, 11179006, 61227008, 51172244
• CA
  Chinese Academy of Sciences

  Awards: 11179006, KGZD-EW-T02