Modifications of the optical properties of quantum dots on liposome encapsulation for applications in theranostic liposomes

Semiconductor quantum dots have been extensively used for biomedical applications as efficient biomarkers. At the same time, liposome encapsulation may open other applications of QDs: the possibility of liposome labeling to stimulate the pathway to specific organs as efficient and specific biomarkers. Due to this, the optical properties of QDs after liposomal encapsulation are very important to many applications, for example, in biosensors or theranostic liposomes. The commercial-acquired CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots of two different emission wavelengths (530 and 640 nm) were encapsulated in lecithin liposomes, and characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Photoluminescence, and Raman Spectroscopy. The important changes in optical properties at liposome encapsulation of the studied QDs are demonstrated and discussed.