Smart Liposomal Quantum Dot Nanosensor for Targeted Cancer Detection

The integration of luminescent nanomaterials with targeted delivery vehicles presents a frontier in early cancer diagnosis. This study presents the design and fabrication of a "Smart Liposomal Quantum Dot" (L-CQD) nanosensor. We synthesized dual-doped Carbon Quantum Dots (N, S, and Zn-doped) via a hydrothermal method to achieve high quantum efficiency and tunable emission. These CQDs were subsequently encapsulated within glucose-functionalized liposomes. Unlike traditional quenching-based sensors, our system demonstrates signal amplification upon encapsulation. The sensor utilizes the glucose-mediated GLUT۱ pathway for selective cancer cell targeting and responds to the acidic microenvironment of tumors. Our results confirm successful encapsulation via FT-IR and DLS, showing a robust increase in fluorescence intensity and a stable ۱۹۰ nm hydrodynamic diameter, making it a highly promising candidate for high-contrast molecular imaging.