Optical properties of SPION-CDs and the targeting efficiency of the SPION-CDs and APT-SPION-CDs with OVCAR-3 and HeLa cells

The maximum emission peak was observed at 450 nm for the excitation wavelength of 350 nm (a). SPION-CDs can disperse in water easily, and an aqueous suspension exhibits a shade of yellowish brown in daylight and bright-green fluorescence under UV light(Fig. 4b and c). Fig. 4d-4g shows the transmission and fluorescence images of OVCAR-3 and HeLa cells stained with SPION-CDs and APT-SPION-CDs. However, the significant increase in fluorescence emission intensities for OVCAR-3 confirms that APT-SPION-CDs specifically target the STIP1 positive cells.