Enhancement of fluorescence and anti-tumor effect of ZnO QDs by La doping

ZnO quantum dots (QDs) have received much attention as biomarkers and drug delivery systems in cancer treatment, due to their low cost, ease of preparation, and pH-responsive degradation. However, its applications are limited by the low quantum yield and light absorption. In this work, a lanthanum-doped zinc oxide (La-ZnO) QDs-based drug delivery platform was constructed. The results show that 4% La doping is the most beneficial for improving the fluorescent properties of the ZnO QDs. After loading the drug, the cell activity was 15% at ZnO@DOX and 12% at La-ZnO@DOX. According to in vitro and in vivo experiment results, the La-ZnO QDs show enhancement of the antitumor effect. Dual enhancement of fluorescence and anti-tumor effects make La-ZnO QDs promising as a drug delivery system in cancer treatment.