Pegylated CdSe/ZnS core/shell nanoparticles for controlled drug release

Abstract A facile strategy to synthesize PEGylated CdSe/ZnS core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with a hydrophobic anticancer drug Quercetin is presented in this manuscript. Drug is loaded over PEGylated NPs by two different mechanisms; one by using organic solvent to dissolve Quercetin and second by directly dispersing Quercetin in Water. FTIR spectra of Quercetin loaded NPs predict the successful drug loading over spherical NPs having size ∼30 nm obtained from TEM. Quercetin loading over PEGylated NPs increases the size of NPs as obtained from TEM and dynamic light scattering. The emission spectra show enhancement in fluorescence intensity of Quercetin after conjugating with PEGylated NPs, making NPs as drug release indicators. Effect of pH on Quercetin conjugated NPs have been investigated on the basis of optical measurements. The results show that in vitro release of Quercetin from the PEGylated NPs is pH dependent. These NPs could be beneficial for long-term release of drug.