Folate‐Receptor‐Mediated Uptake of Carbon Dots as a pH‐Responsive Carrier for Chemotherapy

Abstract In this work, we have synthesized Carbon Dots (CDs) through a single‐step microwave‐assisted method. The synthesized colloidal CDs have narrow size distribution and show excellent optical properties as well as biocompatibility. Folic acid was selected as a carbon precursor to introduce intrinsic folate receptor targeting capabilities of CDs and to achieve high water dispersibility. CDs were characterized by a series of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques followed by anticancer drug Doxorubicin (Dox) conjugation for potential drug release applications. In near‐physiological conditions, the drug loading and the release of Dox were investigated in detail. CDs‐Dox conjugates are sensitive toward pH and showed efficient drug release as monitored kinetically by fluorescence. Further, live‐cell fluorescence imaging using confocal microscopy establishes the pH‐responsiveness of the drug release mechanism and cellular uptake mediated by folate receptors. We believe that such biocompatible nanocomposite will be beneficial in cancer treatment.