A quantum dot nano-carrier system for targeted drug delivery

Nano-carrier systems for in-vivo targeted delivery have the potential to make important contributions to cancer therapy. The application of layer-by-layer methods for fabricating nano-carrier encapsulation systems is a particularly promising method. This study therefore investigated the quantification of layer-by-layer quantum dot encapsulation systems using fluorescence measurements, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Particle concentrations between 10¹⁰ and 10¹¹ particles/mL showed relatively large changes in the fluorescence intensity. Particle sizing using atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements were in qualitative agreement with each other and provided complimentary information. The strengths and weaknesses of atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering methods for quantifying nano-carrier systems are discussed.