Layer-by-layer gelatin/chondroitin quantum dots-based nanotheranostics: combined rapamycin/celecoxib delivery and cancer imaging

Nanotheranostics consisting of highly-fluorescent quantum dots coupled with gelatin/chondroitin layer-by-layer assembled nanocapsules were developed. The hydrophobic drugs celecoxib (CXB) and rapamycin (RAP) were co-loaded into the oily core of nanocapsules (NCs) to enable synergistic growth inhibition of breast cancer cells. To overcome the nonspecific binding of actively targeted CS-NCs with normal cells, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2)-degradable cationic gelatin layer was electrostatically deposited onto the surface of the negatively-charged CS-NCs. The prepared nanocarriers displayed strong fluorescence which enabled tracing their internalization into cancer cells. An enhanced cytotoxicity of the NCs against breast cancer cells was demonstrated. , the nanoplatforms displayed superior antitumor efficacy as well as nonimmunogenic response. Therefore, these multifunctional nanoplatforms could be used as potential cancer theranostics.