Dual-Emission ZAISe/ZnS quantum dots for Multi-level Bio-Imaging: Foam cells and atherosclerotic plaque imaging

The dual-emission ZAISe/ZnS@BSA@MMV QDs were developed via phase transfer and biomimetic strategy for multi-levels imaging. [Display omitted] •The dual-emission QDs with the exciton mission and defect emission was obtained for the first.•The fluorescence tunability of the dual-emission QDs was investigated.•As-prepared QDs could conduct for the noninvasive diagnosis of atherosclerosis. In vitro or in vivo fluorescence imaging based on quantum dots (QDs) has shown promise for the noninvasive diagnosis of atherosclerosis. However, simultaneous in vitro and in vivo imaging remains challenging due to the limitation of the current synthesis method of dual-emission QDs (dual-emitting hybrid QDs, and broad-spectrum emitting QDs). Herein, we fabricate a dual-emission (visible region and near-infrared region emission) QDs (ZAISe/ZnS) via the “bottom to up” method of a quaternary inorganic compound for the foam cells and atherosclerosis plaque imaging simultaneously without the intricate size modulation and the strict optical filter requirements. The oil-soluble ZAISe/ZnS is further encapsulated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to realize phase transfer and ultimately possess the inflammation-targeting properties via biomimetic treatment with MMV (macrophage-derived micro-vesicle). The results first indicate that the as-constructed ZAISe/ZnS@BSA@MMV could accurately locate the foam cells and conduct long-term imaging of the atherosclerotic plaque, which provides a new strategy for the early and noninvasive diagnosis of atherosclerosis.