Novel ligand decorated theranostic zein nanoparticles coloaded with paclitaxel and carbon quantum dots: formulation and optimization

<b>Aim: </b>The present research focused on development and optimization of ligand decorated theranostic nanocarrier encapsulating paclitaxel and carbon quantum dots (CQDs). <b>Methods: </b>CQDs were prepared by microwave-assisted pyrolysis and were characterized for particle size and fluorescence behavior. Ligand decorated zein nanoparticles, coloaded with paclitaxel and CQDs, were formulated using a one-step nanoprecipitation method and optimized for various process parameters. <b>Results: </b>Particle size for coated and uncoated nanoparticles was 90.16 <b>± </b>1.65 and 179.26 <b>± </b>3.61 nm, respectively, and entrapment efficiency was <b>&gt;</b>80%. The circular dichroism spectroscopy showed zein retained its secondary structure and release study showed biphasic release behavior. <b>Conclusion: </b>The prepared theranostic nanocarrier showed optimal fluorescence and desired release behavior without altering the secondary structure of zein.