Quantum dots encapsulated glycopolymer vesicles: Synthesis, lectin recognition and photoluminescent properties

Biomimetic star-shaped glycopolymer poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate-b-poly(gluconamidoethylmethacrylate) (SPCL-PAMA-PGAMA) was synthesized by the combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The glycopolymer self-assembled into vesicles with low critical aggregation concentration (CAC) (0.0075 mg/mL). Then, the carboxylic capped CdTe QDs were encapsulated within the glycopolymer vesicles. The QDs encapsulated glycopolymer vesicles (Gly@QDs vesicles) could specifically bind Concanavalin A (Con A) without changing the photoluminescent properties of the Gly@QDs vesicles. Cell viability studies revealed that the cytotoxicity of the Gly@QDs vesicles was remarkably improved as compared to that of the original QDs. The Gly@QDs vesicles were internalized by Hep G2 cells and then emitted green fluorescence in the cells. Consequently, these Gly@QDs vesicles provided a multifunctional platform for targeted delivery and imaging. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.